It’s understood that building a new home is usually the largest single investment in your lifetime. We have put together a checklist and guide to help you with this big decision.
 

A.      LOCATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD

1.       Look around, talk to neighbors. Are the streets safe and is there enough privacy?

2.       Are the neighbors likely to be compatible with your tastes and lifestyle?

3.       Will the size of your home be compatible with the existing market?

4.       Are there sources of noise, smoke, or odors that will become a problem in the future?

5.       Are there any new developments planned near your site that will affect your neighborhood in the future?

 

B.         COMMUNITY FACILITIES  
1.       Are there adequate shopping facilities nearby?

2.       If you have children, how is the school system?

3.       Are there daycare centers available?

4.       Are places of worship available and convenient?

5.       Are police and fire protection adequate?

6.       Is there a hospital or medical center nearby?

7.       Is public transportation frequent and convenient?

8.       Are there suitable parks and recreation close by?

  

C.      UTILITY AND IMPROVEMENTS

1.      What is the water system, public or private well? If there is a well, what is the depth and recharge?

2.       Will the service be enough for a sprinkler system?

3.       Is there a sewer system, and is it adequate and reliable for future needs?

4.      If you need a septic system, is the soil, percolation rate, and water table adequate for a new system?

5.       Are there fire hydrants close by?

6.       Is there electricity overhead or underground?

7.       Are there gas pipelines to the area?

8.      Is there enough street lighting for nighttime security and peace of mind?

9        Are there storm sewers and are they of adequate size?

10.     Are property tax rates reasonable? How do they compare with surrounding areas?

 

D.      PRESENT ZONING OF ADJOINING AND SURROUNDING PROPERTY

1.      Check if there are any property restrictions such as building size, setbacks on your lot, any public utility easements, or restrictive building schemes etc.

2.      Are there specific uses not allowed? (Example: storing a boat in your yard)

3.      Are there any architectural restrictions in the development? (Example: only Colonial homes).

4.       Check with the local planning and zoning boards about recent zone change proposals that may influence your property.

 

E.      SITE DISPOSITION

1.       Is the lot well drained, and where are the storm drains in relation to your site?

 2.      Is the subsoil good? Remember, this is important if you need a septic system?

3.       Is there sufficient depth to assure a gravity drain to sewer, especially if there will be any plumbing located in the basement?

4.       How is the topography of the land? By this, we mean is the lot sloping or is it flat?

5.       How high is the water table? This will tell you if a basement is possible?

6.       Are the natural features of the site desirable — views, trees, shrubbery, and privacy?

 

F.      ORIENTATION

1.       The sun’s path is a major consideration when you are looking at your site.

2.       It is nice to wake up in the morning light and have breakfast in the sunlight. Face the East to experience the views.

3.       Southern exposure is beneficial for winter heat, especially if you dislike shoveling driveways!

4.       North light is best for even light, like an art studio or office.

5.       Your site determines the location of your house. Let nature help you place those rooms.

 

G.      PERSONAL TASTE

1.       The last thing, and probably the most important, is personal taste – city, country, seaside, comfort, security, and serenity.

2.       We tell our clients to go to the site on a quiet sunny day and a rather crummy, dreary day and at different times. Take time to walk around and truly observe: your heart will tell you if this is the one.

 

We specialize in helping you achieve your goals today and in helping you become mortgage free tomorrow! Please don’t hesitate to call FamilyLending.ca at 1-866-941-6678or visit our website at FamilyLending.ca if you have other questions or are ready to start investigating your options.