Insider Tips

>>All about site selection, continued...

2. Some slope will make the site more interesting,
but beware of increased costs. Make sure you'll be
able to create a design that will fit to the slope. Don't
rely on bulldozers and backhoes to make your site
buildable!

3. Locating near public transportation may save you
many dollars, even if the initial cost is higher.

4. Be sure to check all local and state land use ordinances.
Don't rely on your real estate agent; do the research
yourself or hire a lawyer experienced in land use regulations.
Make sure that you'll be able to build the type of home you want.

5. If the site can't be hooked up to public water and
sewage, you'll need to have a percolation ("perc") test.
Make sure that the perc test location is located close to your
building site. And don't forget that you'll need a well, if the site is
not on public water. Talk to neighbors to find out their experiences
in drilling their wells. How deep did they need to go? What is the
water quality like?