Often this is the most difficult part of the whole process, as dreams of a perfect plot are halted by the reality of limited availability and high prices.
Therefore, below are the basics of what you should do:
1. Contact estate agents local to where you wish to build. Estate Agents often will have a website and will put you on their mailing list. In addition they can point you in the right direction to finding available plots of land.
2. Get to know the area and equally important speak with local people. will give you inside knowledge of what land may be available and at what price.
3. Ultimately Be Brave. Identifying a plot and asking the landowner if they are willing to sell can pay off. Ultimately the worst they can say is no.
4. Check the Internet for sites on sale or land auctions.
In conclusion, if you have identified a site or sites which you are considering purchasing, please feel free to send through information to C3 Architects for our free consultation by e-mail or by meeting in our office. In addition, we will be happy to look over any outline planning conditions that may be in place.
Subsequently, we can give you important advice on the layout of the site and any cost implications that this may have.
Some sites will have hidden costs in ground works and site servicing, consequently this knowledge is good to have prior to making an offer. Hidden costs can therefore greatly impact your overall budget.
C3 Architects can also arrange to visit the site with you for a small fee to cover expenses.
Think you have found a Site ?
If you’ve found a site which you think is ideal for your needs, it’s worth having a second look. Even if it has outline planning consent, it may not be as suitable as first thought.
How easy is the access?
A long access road to the house position can be very costly. A level access of a short distance saves money. The story of the family, who built a mile-long road to the site of their dream home only to be able to afford a caravan, is not apocryphal.
What are the ground conditions like?
Firstly building on a bog is not impossible, just inadvisable due to the expense in making the ground structurally secure. Likewise, hard rock may have to be blasted or broken which again can have a financial impact.
Can the house be easily serviced?
Lack of a water main ultimately may mean that you look at a borehole solution or taking water from a spring. But will this water meet safety standards? A distant electrical supply can mean incurring more unforeseen expense.
What will the sewerage arrangements be?
Firstly, can you connect to a mains sewerage system ?. If not a private septic tank or sewage treatment plant will be required. We can assist you with this decision making process.
The advice?
Ultimately do your own research and/or commission a professional to do a feasibility study, before you take the plunge.
