Questions to Consider Before Buying a Lot for your Custom Home

Listed are a few general things to consider when buying a lot.  In the St. Louis area one can find a good lot at a decent price.  One might look in the St. Charles or O’Fallon area of the metro.  Be sure to pass these questions along to your real estate agent, the seller and experts in each field. 

All things considered, a new custom home built well can last for generations.  A custom home gives you a chance to pick out what will be constructed and where you will break ground.  Every area has a reason to stay for decades and can be a good investment.  Most plan on staying in their new house a long time so time is not an issue, but doing your due diligence is always good.

·        Location, Location, Location.  Does the area have a good location you can plan your future?  Are the school districts good or what you expect? Are there any nuisance noises nearby? (Highways etc.)  Are you within an acceptable distance from hospital or fire station?  Some may not apply to you now, but think a few years down the road.  This can also affect the value of the custom home.  These are all good questions and can depend on your location.

·        Has a licensed contractor deemed your location “buildable”?  Having access to power, water and your cities central sewer system are most likely important to a land buyer.  Are these still valid in around 3 years; was the PERC test (Percolation test) performed on the soil? How long will the PERC test be valid?

·        What rights will you have on this land?  Make sure you will have clear title of the land.  Make sure there are no Liens, easements, right of way, or any other restrictions. Also it’s important to know if it is part of a HOA (Home Owner association) or any local laws.  Any local laws or building restrictions, including endangered species laws (or violations of any kind) may deem your plan a bust.   Know all the laws before you build or find someone who does.

·        What mineral rights, safe drinkable water or other will the owner of the new plot of land have?

·        What Access will you or others have to your new lot?  Will builders be able to access your site?

·        Will the Zoning allow your future House or Structure(s)? 

·        Is the size of the lot big enough for your home or buildings?

·        Is your lot located near or in a Flood Zone?  Flooding in any area near your property can be hazardous; make sure if you decided on an area to have an escape route.  Flood insurance is also important to consider.

·        Will any clean-up be needed from the previous owner?  This could include anything from toxic chemicals to any toxins that may be required to clean-up before the build.  If the land is purchased, these costs can become the buyer’s responsibility.  Find out what the costs are before purchasing any land.

These may seem like some daunting questions.  You, your realtor, or lender may have more questions which should be addressed by a professional in that field.  A well-built custom home is worth asking these questions and can save you down the road from questions you or your future renovator may have.  A good expert, in each area, will be able to answer these inquiries or know another expert who will.  It’s not a bad idea to jot down a few answers to these questions and who answered them.

A List of Things to have During a Winter or Severe Storm

Winter in St Louis is here whether we like it or not.  Here is a partial list of what you should have on hand in case of a severe or winter storm.

•  Radio
• Cell Phone with Charger – Preferably a fully charged cell phone is recommended
• Food for at Least 5 days (canned nonperishable long-lasting food is best)
• Water – Filling a Bathtub is an alternative to buying water                   
• Batteries – For Radios or any electric device in case of a power failure. 
•  Salt – Not all salt is created equally; make sure it won’t damage your driveway or walkway or harm your pets.
• Snow Shovel and Car scraper 
•  Blankets and Winter Clothing in case of a power or heating outage.
•  Working Fire Extinguisher
•  Working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Tester
• First Aid Kit 
• Any necessary medication

Hopefully you won’t need any of this anytime soon.  Missouri weather, however, is unpredictable. 

If you know a storm may be coming, it’s best to store all your supplies where you can easily get them.

You probably have some items on the list, if you know a storm is coming get as many items where they can be easily obtained in case of an emergency. 

If you choose to have generator backup power, remember not to use if wet or to use indoor as some can cause harmful fumes (carbon monoxide poisoning).