3 Keys to Finding the Perfect Location

So you’ve decided to finally invest in building the timber frame home of your dreams. Throw a man-cave in somewhere, a dining room fit for a king, and a kitchen that chefs would fight to cook in and you’re ready to go.

With all of the glamour that comes with building your dream home, it’s easy to get excited about your finished product, and overlook some of the smaller details. Many times, our clients will come to us with a specific plot of land in mind to build their new timber frame. Whether it’s on the top of a mountain, beachfront property, or somewhere in between, you’ll want to consider these 3 things before making a decision on your plot of land.

Not All Land is Created Equal

The first step to take before you put any money toward your new property is to look into any land-use issues. These can include easement rights, zoning regulations, and the physical lay of the land. Not every piece of land you find is going to be suitable for building. Processes such as leveling the slope and removing trees can have a monumental impact on the style and budget of your timber frame home if you haven’t planned for them.

The next thing to look for in choosing the right property for your dream home is to make sure that the soil will pass a percolation test. A percolation test, also known as a “perc” test, determines the rate of absorption that the soil has for a septic drain field. It is imperative that you conduct a percolation test in order to correctly design a septic system. This test is critical to see if your timber frame home can be connected to public utilities, which we’re pretty certain you’d like to have.

Location and view for a timber frame home

Distance is A Factor

You’ll also have to decide on how far you are willing to go for the nearest hospital, grocery store or any other necessary establishment. A secluded property sounds great in theory, but it’s important to remember the possible delay in emergency services reaching you. This doesn’t have to make or break your decision, but it is extremely important to take into consideration.

The Perfect View

One of the biggest perks that comes with buying land is a stellar view of the natural wonders around you. So obviously you’re going to want to find a beautiful piece of land to build your dream home. When you’re trying to escape the confines of city life or the suburbs, it’s easy to fall in love with a specific plot of land. Just make sure that land is suitable to build on before you buy it. A fairytale house on top of a mountain can still be a reality for you. The key is to pair the right hilltop with the right fairytale house allowing you the ability to start building the timber frame home of your dreams.