Picking an Approved Building Lot for a Modular Home: Essential Steps for Future Homeowners

Building a modular home comes with its unique set of advantages and considerations. One of the first and most crucial steps is selecting the right building lot. This decision can significantly impact the overall success and cost of your project. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of picking an approved building lot, whether you already own land or are in the market to purchase one.

Already Own a Lot? Here’s What You Need to Do

If you are fortunate enough to own a piece of land already, you’re ahead of the game in some respects. However, there are still essential steps to ensure your lot is suitable for building a modular home.  It is important to share any lots you are considering building upon with an authorized modular builder. Even if it seems like the perfect location there may be factors you had not considered.

1. Gather Documentation:
   • Bring any site plans and engineering documents to your initial meeting with your modular home builder. These documents provide valuable information about the lot’s characteristics and any work that has already been done.
   • Ensure you have copies of the property deed, any covenants or restrictions, and any previous surveys.
2. Lot Approval:
   • Verify if your lot is an approved building lot. An approved lot typically meets local zoning and building regulations, which can vary significantly from one area to another.
   • If your lot is not yet approved, don’t worry. Your modular home builder can work with you to get the necessary engineering and approvals. This might involve soil testing, environmental impact assessments, and other evaluations to ensure the land is suitable for construction.
3. Site Preparation:
   • Assess the site for necessary preparations such as clearing trees, grading, and ensuring access to utilities (water, electricity, sewage).
   • Consider any potential issues like drainage, soil stability, and access roads. Your modular home builder can provide insights and suggest solutions to address these challenges.

Don’t Own a Lot Yet? Here’s How to Choose the Right One

If you’re in the market for a lot, it’s essential to involve your modular home builder early in the process. Here’s why:

1. Builder’s Expertise:
   • As noted, even the best-looking property can have hidden pitfalls that may not be apparent to an untrained eye. Your modular home builder has the experience and knowledge to identify potential issues.
   • They can assess the lot for feasibility, considering factors like slope, soil quality, and the availability of utilities.
2. Zoning and Regulations:
   • Ensure the lot complies with local zoning laws. Zoning regulations can dictate the type of structure you can build, setbacks from the property lines, and more.
   • Check for any easements or covenants that might restrict how you can use the property.
3. Location, Amenities and Future Development:
   • Look into future developments planned for the area. New roads, schools, or commercial projects can significantly impact your property’s value and living experience.
   • Assess the neighborhood for amenities like schools, shopping centers, and parks, which can enhance your quality of life and the resale value of your home.
4. Environmental Considerations:
   • Investigate any environmental concerns such as flood zones, wetlands, or protected areas. These factors can complicate or even prevent building on certain lots.
   • Conduct soil tests to ensure the ground is stable and suitable for construction.
5. Access to Utilities:
   • Verify the availability of essential utilities like water, electricity, gas, and sewage. Connecting to these services can be costly and challenging if not readily available.
   • Consider the cost of bringing utilities to your lot if they are not already in place.

Additional Tips for Selecting the Perfect Lot for Your Modular Home

1. Budget Considerations:
   • Be mindful of your budget. The cost of the lot is just one part of your overall budget. Site preparation, utility connections, and any additional engineering work can add up.
   • Work with your builder to get a clear understanding of all costs involved in making your lot build-ready.
2. Lifestyle Needs:
   • Think about your lifestyle and how the location of the lot fits with your daily activities. Proximity to work, schools, shopping areas, and recreational activities can greatly influence your choice.
   • Consider the long-term suitability of the lot for your family’s needs. Is there room for growth, gardening, or outdoor activities? Would you want to build a pool someday?  Or maybe tennis courts or other recreational areas?
3. Resale Value:
   • Even if you plan to build your forever home, consider the resale value of the property. A good location can significantly enhance the marketability of your home in the future.
   • Research the real estate trends in the area to ensure your investment will hold or increase its value over time.

In conclusion, picking an approved building lot is a foundational step in the modular home-building process. Whether you already own land or are searching for the perfect parcel, involving your builder early and thoroughly evaluating all aspects of the lot can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. With careful planning and professional guidance, you can ensure your dream modular home will be built on solid ground.

 

ABOUT WESTCHESTER MODULAR HOMES

Westchester Modular Homes (WMH) is a leading manufacturer of custom-built, energy-efficient modular homes. Headquartered in Wingdale, New York, the company was established over 35 years ago in 1986 and became an Employee-Owned Company in January 2000.

WMH has built over 8,000 homes. A pioneer in modular housing, WMH evolved into an award-winning industry leader through innovation in design, customization, superior craftsmanship, and green building practices. It offers over 60 home designs, all of which can be customized.

The company markets homes through a network of independent builders in a nine-state area including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Learn more by joining one of our convenient virtual or in-person tours of our factory.  You can sign up at Virtual Factory Tour – Custom Modular & Prefab Homes Manufacturer & Builder (westchestermodular.com)

You’ll learn first-hand about our quality, service, innovation, and agile speed and have a chance to ask all of your questions.

Or give us a call at (800) 832 3888 and we’d welcome the chance to help you start planning your dream home.