by Kristen West
Project by Woods Design Builders
choosing the right homesite is the first step toward your dream home
THE IDEAL LOT on which to build your dream-worthy home is one of the most important—and often underestimated— decisions in the homebuilding process. From capturing breathtaking views to ensuring your homesite supports your day-to-day lifestyle, this choice will shape how you live for years to come.
At the heart of that decision is location. Where you build determines how you’ll live, what design options are possible and how well the property will hold its value over time. Do you want to be close to town, nestled in the mountains or somewhere in between? Thinking carefully about where you want to be and how that choice supports your desired lifestyle should be a top priority.
With location in mind, experts like the owner of Woods Design Builders, Rob Woods, recommend bringing in professional builders and architects early in the research process to avoid unanticipated roadblocks and guard against extraneous costs. Because the code, districts and zonings are constantly changing, Woods notes that building professionals can shepherd you through the process of choosing the ideal property for your vision and budget.
He emphasizes the importance of being clear from the start about what you want from a home and requires his clients to create a detailed and thoughtful wish list before they start making offers. “That list includes everything from how many bedrooms, what views you desire in key rooms like the kitchen or living room, ceiling heights, and special design elements,” he says. “With this in hand, you can better evaluate how well the lots you’re considering match your vision.” He points to buildability, how steep the lot is, zoning restrictions, where the views are and whether utilities are present as key factors to consider.
Ted Lowe, owner of Lowe-bo Homes LLC, concurs. He says he sees many buyers face surprises when it comes to utility access and unexpected costs after they purchase a secluded lot. As more people choose to move to the outskirts of the city, it’s important to be aware of what that might entail when it comes to resources. “When you’re on the outskirts of town to get that rural feel or to get some views, you’re definitely going to have to be mindful about whether water and power are readily accessible, and the grade of the lot for structural purposes,” he says.
In addition to utility access, excavation must be considered for driveways and retaining walls in steeper or rockier terrain. Jon Dick, principal architect at Archaeo Architects, recommends a feasibility study early in the process, which will determine how successful the home will be from a standpoint of topography, covenants, building code and budget, noting that these challenges don’t have to be deal breakers.
The topography can be a designer’s dream, according to Dick. “Our theory is that the more challenging the lot is from a topographic standpoint, the more interesting the architectural potential,” he says. Working with the land’s shape can allow the home to become part of the natural landscape, increasing its character and becoming a distinctive selling point.
Home orientation is just as important. In New Mexico, taking advantage of views and natural light isn’t just about aesthetics—it can improve daily wellbeing. Many buyers are considering how their home’s orientation impacts sleep and circadian rhythms, for example, by ensuring their bedrooms are east-facing. Incorporating skylights and deep portals can bring in soft, indirect light while providing shade and cooler spaces during hotter months. “Using skylights can give you a different experience throughout the year and even throughout the day because of the angle of the sun,” Dick says. “Pay attention to how the house is going to receive the natural light.” Utilizing the home’s natural light along with shade, solar power and energy-efficient roofs and windows can also help ensure your energy bill stays low.
Ultimately, the best lot is the one that reflects your priorities, fits your long-term lifestyle and positions your home as a savvy long-term investment. Lots with good access, reliable utilities and a well-thought-out site plan tend to hold value better, even as markets fluctuate. Choosing carefully can help you avoid stressful surprises and ensure that your home enhances both its value and your life.
resources
Woods Design Builders
woodsbuilders.com
Lowe-bo Homes LLC
lowe-bohomes.com
Archaeo Architects
