Three factors to consider before buying a site for your building project

Construction & Contractors Blog

It's easy to see why so many people choose to build their own houses rather than buying a pre-owned property. Few things are more exciting than constructing a home that is exactly to your liking, in every respect. However, this process can also be extremely challenging; one of the biggest hurdles which must be overcome is selecting a suitable site on which to build the property. Here are a few things which you'll need to take into account when making this decision.

1. Consider location

When looking at different site locations, it's important to think about whether each one has the potential to meet both your current and future needs. Many people are tempted by rural plots of land, which are often less expensive than their suburban counterparts. However, there is good reason for this difference in price; the latter tend to be much closer to amenities like hospitals, shops, libraries and restaurants, all of which can make dealing with everyday errands and life events a little easier. It's vital to weigh the savings made by buying a rural site against the inconveniences such a location may present on a day-to-day basis.

If you are contemplating purchasing a rural piece of land, check the distance between it and your workplace; if it's significant, make sure that you are happy with having such a long commute. Take your hobbies into consideration too; if going to the gym each morning is an integral part of your daily routine, for example, then look for sites that are within driving distance of a fitness centre.

2. Check the soil

Not all types of soil are equal; certain varieties are better than others when it comes to their ability to drain water and withstand structural loads. Moreover, the type of soil a plot of land has can affect the cost of building on it; Monitor explains that certain soils, such as sand and clay, can be particularly costly to construct on, due to the fact that they are non-compactable.

It is also worth getting the soil of the site you're interested in tested for contaminants; this is especially important if you intend to grow vegetables in your garden, as certain substances, even in small quantities, could present a serious health risk if ingested regularly over a long period of time. If the tests indicate the presence of toxic chemicals, such as asbestos, don't be dismayed, as there are ways to address this issue. An asbestos soil removal company will have the equipment and the know-how to extract the contaminated sections of earth in a safe manner, leaving you free to build on your chosen site without worrying about possible health hazards.

3. Look at the slope

It's worth bearing in mind that it generally costs quite a bit more to build on a sloping plot of land than it does on flat ground. According to the website Home Building, this is largely due to the need for additional drainage, hard landscaping and suspended, reinforced flooring. However, depending on the climate of the area in which the site is located, building on a slope does have its advantages. If you build near to the top, your home will have some spectacular views of the surrounding scenery, and you won't need to worry about flood damage during periods of heavy rain.

Share

26 April 2016

How I Constructed My New Home

Hello and welcome to my construction blog. My name is David and I would like to tell you about the process of designing and building a new home from the ground up. I had always dreamed of building my own home and last year, that dream became a reality. I had been saving money for many years so I could afford to buy the materials and employ the contractors needed to construct my home. I learnt so much during the process, I decided to start this blog. It was a wonderful day when the final piece of my home was put into place and I am now very happy.