MasterCraft Builders,
the leading builder in the Kenosha-Racine area, is offering suggestions consumers
should consider before selecting a building location. There are a variety of
land types future homeowners can choose from, and it is imperative to consider
all the cost factors and logistics of building before selecting a lot. Home/lot
packages are the best way to avoid hidden fees.
"Some lots will require extensive improvements to the land, making the home
building process a financial burden," said Mike Lawrence, General Manager of
MasterCraft Builders. "The best way to keep costs at bay is to purchase a home/lot
package."
Different types of land
New subdivided lots are what are offered when a builder presents a home/lot
package and usually include sewer, water and all improvements in the purchase
price.
"At MasterCraft Builders our home/lots packages are available for a guaranteed
price," stated Lawrence. "This means that if we have to bring in extra dirt
or make other modifications to the land, it occurs at our expense and there
is no additional fee."
It can cost up to $35,000 to make improvements to other types of land, such
as:
- Raw acreage - land that needs septic and well systems
- Improved parcels - lots which have sewer and water but the location is
unknown and
- Infill sites
How to choose
Lawrence offers a number of questions each future homeowner should consider
before choosing a lot.
- What kind of house are you looking to build?
- Where are the services such as gas and electric located on the lot?
- Is there a place where a driveway could be created?
- Is there an open area within the trees or will an area need to be cleared
for the house?
Each lot might not be practical for the style of home a consumer is looking
to build. The lot needs to be well suited to the floor plan and in close proximity
to utility services. The layout of the land will also be important in determining
the house's location. The level of slopes can determine if any part of the basement
will be exposed or if there can be a walkout. Severe sloping might make the
construction a more difficult process and increases the chance for additional
costs if a home/lot package was not purchased. The location might be ideal,
but the lot might not be convenient for the new home.
Buying a lot on one's own
If a person decides to purchase a parcel of land on his own, it is recommended
that he brings along his builder to determine if the type of home desired can
be built on the lot. It is also beneficial to obtain a cost estimate on lot
improvements. Even if a parcel seems to be an excellent choice, there could
be unplanned setbacks, such as soil that contains peat, which could create a
challenge when pouring the foundation.
Lawrence said, "If a person decides that he doesn't want to move forward with
a home/lot package, for no fee, we will look at the lot and highlight any areas
of concern. We are able to tell the potential buyer if the house he desires
will work with the lot and give a rough estimate as to how much lot improvements
will cost. It is only an estimate as we are not 100% sure until the survey comes
back and we start digging."
For more information about MasterCraft Builders, visit http://www.mastercraftbuilders.com
Posted 30 August 2005
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