Some homebuyers look for a little more control over their purchasing process, so they opt to build their home instead of purchasing something on the market. This can be a great way to make sure your house includes everything on your “must haves” list, but it creates some other obstacles as well. Unlike turnkey homes that come with a bit of property, building your home means you also have to find the land to put it on, which can be a tedious process. There are many different aspects to consider, so before you make a downpayment, pull out your trundle wheel and do a little reconnaissance yourself.

Shape and Size

Property lines can be drawn in all shapes and sizes, so be sure you know what your lot looks like before purchasing. Some lots may fit your size requirements, but be laid out in a way where you can’t use the land as you hoped. For example, if you were hoping to tuck your house behind some trees and have a meandering driveway, you might want a lot that’s longer than it is wide. Keeping these things in mind and taking measurements for yourself can help you to determine if a piece of land meets your requirements.

Where’s the sun?

The direction a plot faces can be an easy thing to forget about when looking at land. After all, you’re considering so many other factors, and at the time it may not seem to matter. But if you build a house that heats up as soon as the sun rises, you might regret your choice. The best way to look at this problem is to determine where the sun will be on your property during the hottest part of the day. Will it be beating down directly on your home, unencumbered? Or coming through those large, glass sliding doors you added to the side of the house? Knowing the position of your land can help you better plan where to place your home, and also keep you cool.

Location, location, location

It’s a real estate cliché for a reason. Not only should you consider the neighborhood or area where the plot is, but also the land around it. You want to stay away from anything that might flood or offer refuge for rodents that could wander into your new abode.

There are a multitude of considerations when looking to purchase land, but keeping these three aspects at the forefront of your mind can help the process be a breeze.