It's all in The Details
good tidings from past newsletters
A Site for Sore Eyes
abbreviated from May/June 2002
Every now and then you read one of those horror stories about folks whose prize piece of land turns out to be their worst nightmare. In many areas of the country there are no codes governing building sites outside of their city limits. Locally city codes, loan officers concerns, developer and contractors tests and other safeguards protect city lot buyers from getting taken by someone selling 'lemons'. Every few months we read about sink holes in Florida that eat houses, California mudslides that literally move whole homes or parts of houses crumbling due to subterranean faults. When buying acreage the view is important, but that isn't all that matters. We have all heard the saying 'location, location, location', as being the most important factor in selling a house, we it also applies to building a house. Be sure that the location of your dream home is free from nightmares.
What are the steps to protecting your hard-earned-cash and dreams? It's just like in school ... do your homework. Don't let anyone tell you there is no need to check things. Money spent on tests at this point in a transaction can save you big bucks later. Here are a few suggestions of things to check before you buy ...
- Talk to neighbors. Most people will be happy to warn you if they know of any problems.
- Is the land in question on a fault line or are there any caves on the property?
- Has a soil boring test been run on the building site? This test will indicate any possible settle or water problems.
- Is there a current legal survey of the land available?
- Find out how the property is zoned.
- Are there landfills or other undesirable areas nearby?
- Was the land ever used as a chemical dump or there ever underground storage tanks on or near the property? Check local county records.
- Are there any current and/or old aerial photos available of the area?
- Are there any easements? If there are, what are the restrictions on usage of the easement?
- Is there standing water on the property or has it been declared a legal wetland?
- Will the soil percolate enough to allow for a septic tank if necessary?
- Are there sewer lines or water lines available?
- If there is a well on the property, is the water safe?
- Do you assume water rights?
- Has this property ever been used as a land fill?
- Has extra dirt been brought in to cover up the existing terrain? If it has been filled, has a compaction test been passed?
- Is there a current soil analysis available?
- Have you checked with the National Soil Conservation Service for a free soil survey of the area? This survey maps each area and evaluates how specific soil types will perform under various building conditions.
Be diligent to investigate any property before you sign on the dotted line. It will help you to avoid unexpected problems and additional construction costs. Build your dream home without the worry of becoming the daily newspapers' front page story.
