Build a House On My Land: Where to Start?

On Your Land Homebuilding is a fantastic option when considering your next new home. Compared to purchasing a pre-existing home that was someone else's dream, it can be an option for some, but "starting from scratch" and building your dream, in the location you desire most, is a fantastic way to build the home you want, where you want!

Where to Start to Build a House On My Land?

Research, Research, Research! Start by searching online for "homes built on your land" to identify builders in your area that consider themselves "On Your Land" or "On Your Lot" Home Builders. These builders typically maintain a library of plans on their websites, from which you can choose. Most, if not all, allow you to modify or customize their plans to fit your vision and your land's unique features. Customizing your new home may also be required to comply with CC&Rs or Homeowners Association regulations if you are in a community that has either or both. 

Once you have researched on-your-land home builders online, start scheduling in-person, phone, or virtual appointments to learn more and get a clearer sense of how each builder operates and how much, if any, "sweat equity" you will be responsible for. If you are working with an on-your-land home builder who is putting a majority, if not all, of the front-end due diligence research on you, which they call part of the "homeowner responsibilities," run fast. They should be helping and guiding you through this process, as they are the building pros. If they need to assist with this upfront, what will happen during construction?

Finding Land If I Don't Already Own Land

We recommend speaking with the builder, especially the one you choose to build your home with, to review the land you want to purchase before you sign the contract. At a minimum, sign a contract with a due diligence period that allows your builder to review and help complete the crucial step of determining whether you can build the home you want within your budget. Your budget may need improvement; however, your builder should be able to provide a ballpark quote to help you determine whether this project is a good fit for you. If you are still looking for land, make sure to use a realtor who specializes in finding buildable lots or land and works closely with your builder, as these professionals are there to help your new home build succeed.

Homes Built On Your Land vs Custom Homebuilding

Custom homebuilding and on-your-land homebuilding are similar in that the due diligence research for the land is the same. The regulations are the regulations, and you can only build what is approved by your local building and planning departments. You will also need to comply with CC&Rs and Homeowners Association regulations, whether you are building a custom home on your land or using a stock house plan. The difference is that a custom home will cost significantly more than starting with an on-your-lot home builder's stock plan and customizing it to your vision. "Starting from scratch" with a custom home builder will also take a lot more time in the upfront design phase, as you are not starting with a proven, pre-designed house plan. 

What Is Next in Learning More About New Home Building?

If you want to learn more about the option of building a new customized home on your land, even if it's just to explore if this is an option to consider, contact us by email at mybuilder@visionmakerhomes.com or give us a call at 971-900-9566 to learn more. We are here to help when you are ready!