Dreaming About Building A Custom Home On The Perfect Lot?

In established neighborhoods such as Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Cabin John, and Northwest Washington D.C., finding an empty lot for your new custom home can be very challenging, so infill home building might be the solution. Infill home building involves tearing down an older home and constructing a brand-new custom home in its place. The process begins by identifying an older home that has not been materially remodeled or improved but is located on an ideal lot in a desirable area. Before purchasing an older home with the intent to tear it down, consider the factors below and consult with an experienced homebuilder to ensure you can build the home you envision.

1. Settle On The Area Where You Want To Live

Make a comprehensive list of the criteria that are most important to you when determining the ideal location for your new custom home. For instance, do you prefer urban living, or is a quiet cul-de-sac in a suburban setting more appealing? How do you plan to commute to work? Should your new home be near a Metro stop, or is easy access to the Beltway essential? Do you want to be able to walk to a grocery store, or is driving to the nearest shopping center acceptable? Once you've settled on your list of criteria, you can narrow down the general area that fits your needs.

2. Check Out The Neighborhoods

After choosing the general area where you want to live, walk or drive around some neighborhoods to get a feel for the surroundings. Safety should be top of mind when selecting a location for your new home. Picking a neighborhood with a low crime rate is not only safer for your family, but homeowners in that area will also typically see their property values increase over time. Check to see that the sidewalks are well maintained and the streets are adequately lit at night. Introduce yourself to people you see walking their dogs or mowing their lawns and ask about the safety of the neighborhood. In addition to gaining valuable information, it's a great way to see if the people living close by are welcoming and friendly. 

If you have children, prioritize neighborhoods within highly ranked school districts. Research local schools' academics, extracurricular activities, and after-school programs. Find out if there is a parent-teacher organization that meets regularly if you wish to be an active participant. For families with children who have special needs, be sure to choose a school district that has the resources to provide proper accommodations and support. 

Convenience is also important. Choose a neighborhood for your new custom home that is close to where you will run most of your errands and spend much of your time. Check to see if there are nearby parks or walking trails if you enjoy outdoor exercise. Explore the local restaurant scene to ensure there are places to dine and get take-out, too. 

3. Consider The Size And Style Of Home You Want To Build

Your custom home should fit within the context of your new neighborhood. Make sure you consider the style and size of home you want to build as you determine where to build it. Some neighborhoods have regulations detailing architectural guidelines, minimum or maximum square footage, and the use of specific building materials. Understanding these conditions upfront is crucial to ensuring you end up with the type of home you want in a neighborhood you like.

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4.  Work With A Professional

Whether you already live in the Washington, D.C. area and know it well or are moving here from across the country, work with a professional to secure your new lot. A custom homebuilder or a real estate agent can help you find the right property in the right neighborhood. They know what is available in your desired area and can sometimes facilitate a purchase before a property is listed for sale.

5. Find Out If It Is Buildable

Before you purchase a tear-down property, invite your custom homebuilder to assist with a thorough evaluation. A particular lot may seem perfect to you, but it may not be. Factors such as lot size, existing tree canopy, topography, and easements will affect what can actually be built on that property.

Your homebuilder can also check to see if the property has connections to natural gas, water, and sewer lines. If those connections do not already exist, find out how resolving these issues will impact your budget. Involving your homebuilder from the start can save you from making costly mistakes and prevent future headaches.

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6. Budget For Your New Lot

Planning for your new home is exciting, but be deliberate in your decision-making. Research comparable sales prices in the surrounding neighborhoods to ensure you are paying a reasonable amount for the property you want to purchase. As a general rule, the lot price should be about 30 - 45% of the total cost of a custom home. Carefully weigh whether or not the property you are considering fits within your overall budget so that you can afford to design and build the home you desire.

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At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury remodeling and custom home building in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project have earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. Contact us today to begin your custom home or remodeling project.