Finding The Perfect Location For Your Custom Home: 6 Factors To Consider

Working with a custom home builder is an excellent way to get the home of your dreams. However, to ensure your home is everything you imagined, it must also be in the perfect location. 

There are many factors to consider when choosing a location for your custom home. From financial considerations to lifestyle choices and legal challenges, several variables are at play when selecting a property location. We share the main factors to keep in mind when searching for the perfect location for your custom home.

Affordability

The affordability of your custom home is a crucial consideration. For most people, their home is their most significant long-term investment, so it’s important to be mindful of your budget. Determining what you feel comfortable paying over time can help guide your decision-making and give you peace of mind.

Set a Budget for Land Acquisition

When planning a custom home, the first large expense you will face is purchasing the land or lot where you will build your property. Getting the best deal on a lot that suits your needs will help you keep your cost of building a home under control from the start.

Assess the Cost of Infrastructure and Utilities

When choosing your lot, it’s also vital to consider the practicalities of the land. Is the lot already connected to utilities? If not, you may have to spend considerable money installing drainage and connecting the lot to the gas and electricity supply. You may also need to pay for permits, such as electrical and plumbing permits.

Understand the Location’s Long-Term Affordability

Aside from the initial costs of building your custom home, you must also consider its long-term affordability. Research the general cost of living in the area, property taxes, and other expenses that could influence whether or not the location is right for you long-term.

Natural Environment and Surroundings

Do you long for a home with a breathtaking view? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to live on a tree-lined street or tucked away deep in the mountains.

Taking time to think about the type of environment you prefer to live in is a vital consideration when choosing a location for your custom home. If you’ll be there every day, you should love where you live.

Small environmental factors can significantly impact how much you enjoy your space. For example, if you enjoy tending to plants or saving on your electricity bill, you should consider how much sunlight your home will receive. If you value privacy, you may not want to choose a lot on a busy street near other houses.

Lifestyle Preferences

Building your custom home in a location that matches your lifestyle preferences will help ensure your overall satisfaction. Here are some lifestyle preferences to keep in mind:

• How close do you want to live to your workplace, your children’s schools, and local amenities? How far are you willing to commute?
• If you plan to use public transportation, is the location close to bus stops, railways, and more?
• Is the location close to major highways and roads?
• If you have children, is the location suitable for them?
• Are there pet-friendly areas nearby?
• Does the neighborhood have a sense of community?

Asking yourself these questions can help you determine what is most important to you and what you are willing to sacrifice if necessary.

Safety

Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home. Researching the crime rates and security measures that have been implemented in the area before settling on a location for your custom home can put your mind at ease.

Consider whether you can install fencing, gates, security lighting, and more to keep your property safe. Regulations for safety measures such as these vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Different areas are more prone to natural disasters, such as wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding. Evaluating a location’s risk for each of these phenomena is important so you can be prepared. Additionally, you should inquire about the local emergency response capabilities near your prospective lot. 

Resale Value and Investment Opportunities

Building a custom home is a huge investment, and you’ll want to choose a location with excellent resale value should you decide to leave. Fortunately, you can explore the resale value for similar properties in the area to gain insight into what your home might be worth later on.

Consider market trends and the potential return on investment from using the property as a long-term or short-term rental. 

Laws and Regulations

Whichever location you choose, you must comply with local laws and regulations to ensure your custom home doesn’t violate any restrictions.

Be sure you understand local zoning regulations, building codes, and land use restrictions before purchasing a lot. Knowing what you’re allowed to do when constructing your home is especially important if you intend to add unique features, such as a pool or a mother-in-law suite in the backyard.

Violating laws and regulations can have drastic financial implications and delay your construction project. It can be helpful to consult with local legal experts to guide you through the process and ensure you’re not overlooking any vital information.

Choose Guardian Homes for Your Custom Build

Careful planning and thorough research are essential when choosing the perfect location for your custom home. Assessing the location’s affordability, safety, and more will help you make an informed decision.

If you plan to build a luxury custom home in Idaho or Utah, you can count on Guardian Homes to bring your vision to life. Take a look at our portfolio to see some of the beautiful custom homes we’ve built, and contact us today to find out how we can assist you.