How To Choose The Right Lot For Your Dream Home
Building your dream home starts long before you ever pour a foundation, it begins with choosing the right lot. The land you select will shape everything from your home’s layout and lighting to how much you enjoy your surroundings. Matt and I have have built 3 custom homes, and we are currently working on a 4th, so we have learned a few thing throughout our building journeys. We realized how important choosing the right lot was after a few fiascos while living our coastal farmhouse. We realized we had done a few things right but also had a few things wrong when planning where we really wanted to be. Whether you're dreaming of a coastal cottage or a modern farmhouse, here are the key things to consider when picking the perfect lot:
1. Start With Your Lifestyle
Do you crave peace and quiet, or do you want to be close to schools, shops, and restaurants? Your daily routine and long-term goals should help narrow down the best location. For example, if you love sunsets and surf, a lot near the coast might be perfect. If you’re raising a family, proximity to safe neighborhoods and good schools may be a priority.
2. Check the Elevation and Drainage
A beautiful lot can come with hidden challenges. Is the land sloped or flat? Does it sit in a flood zone or low-lying area? Elevation affects not only how you build but also your home's long-term safety and insurance costs. Consider getting a topographic survey or elevation certificate to better understand what you're working with.
What we found at our coastal farmhouse build was that the county had a large drainage pipe running down one side of our property. We did not see it prior to our purchasing the lot. It needed some serious TLC and over time caused sink holes in our yard. Also, when we purchased the land it had over 200 mature trees on it and appeared to be basically flat from the road to the water. After clearing and having the elevation checked, it turned out that the land actually had a large slope down and required at least six feet of stem wall to level the front of the home with the back side. That was a $50k surprise. UGH.
This lot looks flat right? NOOO It has a large slope to it as we found out when building our coastal farmhouse
Another personal experience we had with this was when searching mountain properties in Tennessee. We originally fell in love with a pristine mountainside property in an HOA neighborhood with a very motivated seller. Thankfully, we had a contractor drive by the lot and he quickly let us know that the property had such a steep slope that just the foundation construction would cost us roughly $300k. We ended that contract REAL QUICK-like.
3. Know the Zoning and Restrictions
Before falling in love with a piece of land, check local zoning laws, deed restrictions, and HOA rules. These can affect the size of your home, the style of construction, and even whether you’re allowed to build a guesthouse or pool later on. I recently heard stories from a few lot owners that purchased in an HOA neighborhood that was pretty strict and they didn’t bother to read the building restrictions beforehand. They decided afterward that they didn’t want that style of home or the hassle of dealing with the HOA shenanigans.
4. Assess Utilities and Access
It’s easy to overlook, but does the lot have access to water, sewer, electric, and internet? If not, will you need a septic system or well? Also, how easy is it to access the lot, especially during rainy season? These practical details can add up in both cost and convenience. I am a member of several home building forums and it seems like daily someone is distraught because they purchased property that had no utility access and it is going to cost them a small fortune to get it. It’s SO important to assess this and know the cost BEFORE you fall in love with the land.
Massive stem wall for our coastal farmhouse
5. Think About Sunlight and Orientation
This one is often missed! The way your lot is oriented will influence where the sun rises and sets on your home. Natural light can enhance your indoor spaces, reduce energy costs, and even boost your mood. A south-facing lot, for example, may provide optimal light throughout the day.
Our Coastal Farmhouse build in PC, FL (2020)
6. Envision the Long-Term View
Try to picture your home five or ten years from now. Are there plans for nearby development that could change your view or traffic? Talk to the city or county planning office about future projects. You want a lot that not only meets your current dreams, but also grows with them.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a lot is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your home-building journey. It’s not just a piece of land- it’s the foundation for your lifestyle, memories, and future. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts.
Have questions about choosing the right lot? Feel free to reach out or follow along as we share our own journey building a dream home here at Summer on the Coast.
Sunburns + Sunsets,
