Apr 16, 2024
The Chicago suburbs hide a rare treasure trove of possibilities for those who want to escape the city and craft their dream home from the ground up. But you can't just snap up any promising piece of land and start construction...
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a lot to build your home on. With over 60 years of experience, Overstreet Builders has helped countless homeowners choose the perfect lot for an offsite build. Here’s what we recommend considering before buying property.
Finding Hidden Neighborhoods in the Chicago Suburbs
Several Chicago suburbs rank highly for livability and overall quality of life. Naperville, for example, is considered one of the best suburbs to live in the Chicago area, with highly rated schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community.
But many other suburbs offer similar perks and may not be as well known. When searching for a lot to build your home on, don't limit yourself to the most popular areas.
Explore different suburbs and neighborhoods to up-and-coming areas that:
- Offer affordable land prices.
- Have potential for growth and infrastructure development.
- Are close to desirable amenities such as parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Buying land beyond the well-known suburbs could mean getting everything you're looking for in a lot that will also grow in value over time!
The Impact of Lot Topography on Your Chicago Suburb Home Design
Physical geography, or the topography of a lot, can play a significant role in the design and construction of your custom home. And if you're not careful, it can be the foundation for frustration!
For example, if you're building on a sloped lot, you may need to adjust the floor plan and incorporate retaining walls or other structural elements to accommodate the slope. This can add extra costs to your home build.
On the other hand, a lot with poor drainage or low-lying areas might require additional landscaping and drainage solutions to prevent water damage to your home in the future.
Before purchasing a lot, it's important to assess its topography and consider how it may impact your home design and budget. By bringing in an experienced home builder during the lot selection process, you might be able to turn these 'constraints' into creative solutions.
Navigating Zoning Laws and Building Codes in Illinois
The legal lay of the land can often be as maze-like and crucial as the physical terrain itself...
Zoning laws and building codes dictate what you can and cannot do with your lot, which can significantly impact the design and cost of your home.
For example, certain areas in the Chicago suburbs may have strict height restrictions or require specific architectural styles. You'll also need to consider setback requirements, easements, and other legal considerations when designing your home.
To avoid roadblocks during the building process, consult a reputable Chicago area homebuilder, like Overstreet Builders. We can demystify the process by breaking down the zoning lexicon in your desired area and decoding the building codes into plain English.
Pre-Construction Considerations for Your Lot
Selecting a lot isn't just about signing on the dotted line and watching foundations arise. It's about running utilities when there are none, leveling ground both literally and figuratively, and preparing for surprises that can leap out from under the very soil itself.
Before purchasing a lot, make sure to consider the following:
- Accessibility:Can equipment and materials easily access the lot for construction?
- Utility connections:Are electricity, water, and sewage readily available?
- Soil quality: Is the soil suitable for building? Will it require any additional measures, such as compaction or reinforcement?
- Property line markers: Are the property lines clearly marked and accurate?
Why Partner with Overstreet Builders for Your Dream Home in the Chicago Suburbs
Partnering with Overstreet Builders isn't just some transaction — it's a collaboration of vision, expertise, and local wisdom. We work closely with our clients to help them find the perfect land for their dream home, considering all the key factors discussed above so that you don't have to worry about any hidden surprises or challenges during the building process.
With our extensive knowledge of the Chicago suburbs and decades of experience in luxury home construction, we can guide you through every step of the lot selection process. Contact us to make the homebuilding journey a stress-free and enjoyable experience.