Lot Logic: Choosing the Right Land for Your Custom Home
The perfect lot may be hiding big problems - learn how to spot them.
This season of The Art of Custom is focused on all of the steps in the pre-construction process to ensure your dream home comes to life in the smoothest, most rewarding way possible.
The lot with the dreamy view might have a higher cost than you bargained for. And that flat, just okay property you nearly overlooked? Could be the perfect place to build your dream home. So how do you know which land to choose?
In this episode, we’re digging below the surface to help you evaluate land like a builder. Learn what makes a great lot, what red flags to watch for, and how to best avoid costly mistakes of purchasing a piece of land that has more challenges than meets the eye.
Follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process! Subscribe and don’t miss an episode so you have the tools to build smarter!
Subscribe and follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process!
SEASON EIGHT, EPISODE TWO | TRANSCRIPT
The lot with the swoon-worthy view? Careful, it might break your budget. That flat, “just okay” property you almost overlooked? It might actually be the perfect foundation for your dream home.
When it comes to land, beauty is only topsoil deep. Sometimes the prettiest lot hides some seriously ugly development costs. In this episode, we dig below the surface to uncover the secrets of finding the right piece of land for your build. We’ll help you spot red flags, ask smarter questions, and choose the best match for your vision and budget.
Why Lot Selection Matters
Not all land is created equal. A property that looks ideal on Zillow or in person might hide expensive challenges. That’s why having your builder evaluate the lot early is essential.
Joining us is Chris Pedigo, General Manager at Hibbs Homes in St. Louis, who walks lots with clients every week. His expertise helps clients avoid costly surprises and match their land choice to their lifestyle goals.
The Builder’s Perspective
When evaluating a lot, Chris looks at:
- Design Goals: Do you want a walkout basement, a main-level pool, privacy, or solar access?
- Topography: Land in the mountains can drive excavation costs. Flat acreage may require long driveways.
- Development Costs: Retaining walls, grading, and driveways can dramatically impact your budget.
- Utilities: City water vs. well, public sewer vs. septic, electric availability, or even required upgrades in older neighborhoods.
These factors affect not just the cost, but also the design of your future home.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Driveways: Long or steep driveways can add significant cost, and in mountain markets, some require heating systems.
- Utilities: Extending electric service, repairing old sewer laterals, or drilling wells can add unexpected expenses.
- Zoning & Setbacks: Every lot has buildable boundaries. A lot may appear large but limit the size or style of home allowed.
- HOA/ARC Requirements: Materials, roof pitch, garage locations, and minimum square footage requirements can all add to the budget.
- Environmental Concerns: Floodplains and waterways can trigger costly regulations or prohibit building altogether.
Tips for Evaluating a Lot
- Bring your builder early. A professional eye can uncover potential costs before you fall in love with a property.
- Order a thorough survey. Include topography, elevations, and utilities. This prevents surprises like hidden sewer lines or unbuildable slopes.
- Understand your all-in budget. Consider house + lot + development together, not just the land price.
- Prioritize your must-haves. Decide what matters most: views, privacy, location, or budget.
- Don’t finish your home design before buying land. You will want to adjust your design to fit the lot, not the other way around.
- Be cautious of red flags. Floodplains, waterways, and zoning hurdles can delay or derail your project.
Final Takeaways
- Don’t judge a lot by looks or price alone.
- Do your homework and understand utilities, restrictions, and topography.
- Bring your builder into the process early for peace of mind and accurate cost estimates.
- Sometimes that unassuming lot is the best long-term match for your vision and your budget.
Closing
Love may be blind, but when it comes to land, you need to make sure you're coming in with your eyes open. Choosing the right lot requires careful evaluation, expert advice, and a willingness to balance dreams with reality.
For more information visit www.artofcustompodcast.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn as The Art of Custom. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes and please rate and review. The Art of Custom is produced by HugMonster sound with original music by Adam Frick-Verdeen. Thanks for listening.
