Most of us imagine that at some point in the future we'll be living in our own home and some of us even dream of self-building. When the time finally arrives, choosing the right plot of land to build on can be daunting. There are several factors to take into consideration in order to find the ideal plot of land.
Here are some tips that may help:
1. The Dimensions Of The Plot
When building a house, you must always - at least roughly - consider the potential architectural design of your home before purchasing the plot of land. You must consider the shape of your home and whether you'd like your home to have a garden in front, to the side or at the back. Would you like a double-fronted house, L-shape or U-Shape? Can the plots you are looking at accommodate the architectural design you envision for your home?
2. The Orientation Of The House
The orientation of the house is something not many people take into consideration when buying their plot. This determines whether you'll get to have some sunshine in your kitchen in the mornings or not. Which rooms will be getting the least amount of light during the day and therefore will require more windows?
3. Is The Land Level?
If the land is lower than the level of the road or if it slopes, it can have a significant impact on the design of the house. You may need to even it out or end up having to build a basement, both of which can increase your budget costs.
4. The Quality Of The Soil
Even when you find the perfect plot of land, it's always good to have the soil tested to see if it is good quality and free from contamination. Also, as your house will be built on that ground, you'll want to be sure it is solid and there won't be any possibility of the ground shifting.
5. Health & Safety
When self-building, professionals you hire may overlook certain important factors before construction so you must double-check everything. It is important to check whether there are any hazardous substances on or surrounding your plot. There may be factories nearby which emit harmful gases into the atmosphere, pylons which are known to cause serious health issues, or even a high possibility of flooding in the area.
6. Structure Factor
The structure factor of a plot determines how large an area of the plot can be built on and how many storeys high the structure can be. If the structural factor is too high, you must bear in mind that your home may end up surrounded by flats at some point in the future. If the structure factor is too low, you won't be able to build the large house you've been dreaming of as it will exceed the structure factor limit.
Visiting the local council can also help provide you with any additional information regarding the plot you are considering for purchase.
