Custom Building Process - The Land

“When looking for land all you want is everything” Cato the Elder advised long ago -  gently sloped with a south facing perspective, good neighbors, water, easy access to conveniences, one road in and out, etc.  Properties like these are a hot commodity in and around Asheville.  Want a fantastic view? That’s even rarer, and you will likely face more challenging building conditions.   If you talk to a Buncombe County zoning official they’ll probably tell you that all the easy lots were built up years ago, and almost every project and property they look at now is a slog!  Perhaps you already own a piece of property or are on the hunt for available lots or land.  I offer some ideas for your consideration in this one of the initial steps in building a new home.  

Do your research

Study the county’s online GIS when considering a piece of land. The public information available here is amazing topographic maps showing creeks and other impediments to building can be seen.  You will also find zoning information and utilities that are available here.  A good contact at the county zoning. Office can be a great asset as well.

The lay of the land

Walk the property a couple of times. If it’s a piece of property you don’t own, you’ll likely need to get a real estate agent involved. You can get a good understanding of the difficulties a builder will  face by trudging around with an agent or contractor. Beware the brambles and briars. Cato said “a likely property would please you more each time you visit”.

Consult an expert

Plan to involve a site engineer for seating the house at the proper elevation so that site grading is done efficiently and entering and exiting the home is easily done.  Also, this is a necessary step for permitting, locating septic fields, wells, repair areas, driveways, silt fences, etc. 

Consider options

Expand your search into surrounding towns and counties. If commute isn’t crucial - property costs vary widely across our part of the state.

Consider infill options.  Many municipalities such as Asheville & Hendersonville are trying to make better use of land close to town centers where access to utilities is a breeze. Some zoning agencies are reducing the minimum lot size so that building on small portions of oversize lots is now an option.

Hire an expert!

Finally, but not least, call B Three Construction!  Let us assist in considering and facilitating preliminary steps in design, zoning, and infrastructure for getting started on the right foot in WNC.