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Buying a Lot? Due Diligence is Required
noreply • Dec 28, 2017
Buying a Lot? Due Diligence is Required.
Buying a lot to build a home can be an exciting time. However, it is important to learn as much as possible about the property before closing and deciding to build. Below is a checklist that we use with our clients to make sure the lot is "build-able" for their new home...
GENERAL
• Property Description and Ownership
• Tax Map and Parcel Size
• Master Plan Compliance
• Future Road Alignments & Right-of-Way Dedications
• Review of Phase I Environmental Study, if available
• Walk the Site & Pictures
MAPS & PLANS
• Property Boundary Survey
• Tax Map
• Zoning Map
• Master Plans
• Street Map and Community Amenities
• Topographic Survey or GIS
• Aerial Photo
• Soils
• Water and Sewer Maps
• Wetland Inventory Maps
• Flood Plain Maps
• Road Network Plan
ZONING & LAND USES
• Zoning Designation
• Permitted and Conditional Uses
• Zoning Restrictions, Bulk Requirements, and Constraints
• Density Bonus
• Yield Analysis, Open Space and Buffer Requirements
REGULATORY
• Current Rezoning Applications
• Development Impact on Services & Existing Infrastructure
• Dedications, Easements and Encroachments
• Road Access, Offsite Road Improvements & Onsite Road Circulation
• Land Development Regulations
• Stormwater Management Facility Requirements
• Best Management Practices
• Entitlement, Approval and Permitting Process
NEIGHBORING PROPERTY
• Existing and Proposed Uses
• Positive and Negative Surrounding Property Analysis
• Neighborhood Reaction to Development Plans
• Political Assessment
SITE CHARACTERISTICS
• Flood Plains
• Environmental Constraints
• Wetlands, Ponds and Jurisdictional Streams
• SWIM Buffers, Natural Buffers
• Property Soil Types and Characteristics impacting development potential
• Water Table
• Topography and Slope Analysis
• Drainage Patterns, Conveyance and Site Characteristics
• Water Line and Fire Hydrant Location, Water Pressure, and Availability
• Sewer Line Location and Invert Elevations, Line and Plant Capacity
• Other Utility Availability i.e. gas, electric, telephone, fiber optics
• Frontage Road Classification, Condition and Sight Distance
• Property Configuration Impacting Development
• Connection to Adjacent Properties (Connectivity)
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Issues
• Watershed Protection Areas Requirements
• Existing Vegetation and Specimen Trees
• Existing Site Buildings, Condition and Demolition Requirements
GOVERNMENT STAFF COMMENTS
• Planning & Zoning Department
• Engineering Department
• Public Works
• Water and Sewer Departments
• Building Department
• Property Description and Ownership
• Tax Map and Parcel Size
• Master Plan Compliance
• Future Road Alignments & Right-of-Way Dedications
• Review of Phase I Environmental Study, if available
• Walk the Site & Pictures
MAPS & PLANS
• Property Boundary Survey
• Tax Map
• Zoning Map
• Master Plans
• Street Map and Community Amenities
• Topographic Survey or GIS
• Aerial Photo
• Soils
• Water and Sewer Maps
• Wetland Inventory Maps
• Flood Plain Maps
• Road Network Plan
ZONING & LAND USES
• Zoning Designation
• Permitted and Conditional Uses
• Zoning Restrictions, Bulk Requirements, and Constraints
• Density Bonus
• Yield Analysis, Open Space and Buffer Requirements
REGULATORY
• Current Rezoning Applications
• Development Impact on Services & Existing Infrastructure
• Dedications, Easements and Encroachments
• Road Access, Offsite Road Improvements & Onsite Road Circulation
• Land Development Regulations
• Stormwater Management Facility Requirements
• Best Management Practices
• Entitlement, Approval and Permitting Process
NEIGHBORING PROPERTY
• Existing and Proposed Uses
• Positive and Negative Surrounding Property Analysis
• Neighborhood Reaction to Development Plans
• Political Assessment
SITE CHARACTERISTICS
• Flood Plains
• Environmental Constraints
• Wetlands, Ponds and Jurisdictional Streams
• SWIM Buffers, Natural Buffers
• Property Soil Types and Characteristics impacting development potential
• Water Table
• Topography and Slope Analysis
• Drainage Patterns, Conveyance and Site Characteristics
• Water Line and Fire Hydrant Location, Water Pressure, and Availability
• Sewer Line Location and Invert Elevations, Line and Plant Capacity
• Other Utility Availability i.e. gas, electric, telephone, fiber optics
• Frontage Road Classification, Condition and Sight Distance
• Property Configuration Impacting Development
• Connection to Adjacent Properties (Connectivity)
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Issues
• Watershed Protection Areas Requirements
• Existing Vegetation and Specimen Trees
• Existing Site Buildings, Condition and Demolition Requirements
GOVERNMENT STAFF COMMENTS
• Planning & Zoning Department
• Engineering Department
• Public Works
• Water and Sewer Departments
• Building Department
I was having a discussion with Sam Pittman, Mortgage Lender with Regions Bank, the other day and I asked him what he thought about the current interest rates and how they are affecting our industry. Here are his comments below:"The interest rate environment over the last 10 years has mostly made home-ownership more affordable for those in the market to buy or build a new home. The historical trend line from the graph above demonstrates that rates have been on a downward projection which could indicate favorable conditions into the near future. Let us know if we can provide specific details on how to best finance you next home or building project. As always, market condition are always subject to change at any time without notice." - Sam Pittman
Owned by Al Kelekci, a second generation builder in Atlanta, GA, Hask Construction specializing in new custom homes, total home remodels, large additions, basement finishing.