TOP 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
One of the most common mistakes before building is not to do your research prior to purchasing a set of plans.
We have created a simple check list for you to follow so you choose a house plan that can be built on your lot.
1. DETERMINE IF YOUR LOT IS PLOTTED
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IS THE LOT PLOTTED? CAN YOU LEGALLY BUILD ON IT?
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GET A RECENT SURVEY OF THE PROPERTY. IT WILL GIVE YOU SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOT, SUCH AS LEGAL BOUNDARIES, EASEMENTS, WATER SURFACES, ZONING, AMONG OTHER DATA.
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3. LOOK FOR YOUR ZONING REGULATIONS
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DEPENDING ON THE ZONING, YOU WILL HAVE RESTRICTIONS YOU SHOULD SEE BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR HOUSE PLAN. SUCH AS:
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SETBACKS, MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE, MAXIMUM SQUARE FOOTAGE AND MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT.
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5. LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
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IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHECK IF YOUR LAND SITS WITHIN A ZONE PRONE TO FLOODING, OR OTHER COMMON NATURAL DISASTERS.
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7. GENERAL CODES
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A BUILDING CODE – ALSO REFERRED TO AS BUILDING CONTROL OR BUILDING REGULATIONS – IS A SET OF RULES BY WHICH A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NEEDS TO ABIDE.
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LOOK FOR YOUR JURISDICTION CURRENT BUILDING CODE MODEL.
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9. CHECK YOUR BUDGET
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WHILE REVIEWING PLANS, KEEP IN MIND THE CONSTRUCTION COST MAY INCREASE, BASED UPON LOCATION, SIZE AND FINISH OUT COST.
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2. CHECK THE ZONING OF THE LOT
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RESEARCH THE ZONING OF THE PARCEL TO ENSURE THAT YOU CAN BUILD A HOUSE ON IT.
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4. CONSIDER YOUR LOT PHYSICAL FEATURES
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KNOW THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF YOUR LOT, CHECK THE SUN ORIENTATION, AND THE EXISTING CONDITIONS OF THE LAND.
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6. UTILITY EASEMENTS
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IS THERE CURRENTLY UTILITY INSTALLATIONS ON YOUR LOT?
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DEPENDING ON THE STATE OF THE UTILITY EASEMENTS, YOUR JURISDICTION MAY REQUIRE YOU TO UPGRADE THEM PRIOR TO BUILDING.
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SUCH INSTALLATIONS INCLUDE:
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WATER LINE, PHONE LINE, PLUMBING, GAS OR ELECTRICITY.
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8. SPECIFIC CODES
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REVISE IF YOUR LOT IS ON A CONSERVATION, HISTORICAL OR HOME OWNER’S ASSOCIATION AREA. THIS WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL GUIDE LINES TO FOLLOW.
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10. LOOK FOR A HOUSE PLAN
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THE FINAL STEP IS CHOOSING A DESIGN YOU LIKE. HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU FIND THE BEST FLOOR PLANS THAT MEET YOUR NEEDS.
- Maximum width and length of the house.
- Maximum square footage.
- How many stories do you need?
- What type of design are you looking for?
- How many rooms, bathrooms?
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