If you are wanting to build a new home in the Tampa area, especially a luxury new home, that is truly awesome. Of course, finding the perfect lot to build on can be a challenge, to say the least. Before you can think about home layout, kitchen finishes, luxury master bathroom, and solar systems, you need to find that ideal location that will meet all your needs.
In some areas of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, vacant lots can be hard to come by, especially in South Tampa. In other areas, they are available, but you need to be sure about many different factors. Do you wait for a lot to become available in the area you want (could take a long time), do you approach to buy a lot that isn’t for sale, or do you start fresh in another location?
Where Do You Find Land To Buy?
To find that perfect lot to build on, pull out all the stops, check carefully, then double check. You will need to communicate regularly and persistently with:
- Realtors – the hungrier the better
- Builders – they often have some helpful inside information
- Friends and family – many people want to build a home close to friends and family. Use them as extra sets of eyes in their own neighborhoods, because you never know where the next lead will come from
- Go Direct – Although slightly aggressive, it is a growing practice for people looking to purchase land to go directly to the owner and make an offer, even if the property isn’t for sale. There’s usually no harm in just asking.
Being thorough, persistent, yet patient can pay off.
Location and Neighborhood
Sometimes waterfront lots come available as new developments take place, especially beside canals. These will be in demand,
so keep your finger on the pulse using the people listed above. Otherwise, you’ll be joining an established neighborhood or a non-waterfront new sub-division. Think carefully about:
- Nearby schools for your children (existing or expecting)
- How will it affect your daily commute?
- Amenities like shopping, parks, doctors, restaurants, etc.
- Bylaws and regulations – will they allow you to create the home you envisioned?
- Neighbors and community.
Waterside
Of course, living anywhere in the Tampa area means being not far from water, which is why it’s a great place to be. While the idea is certainly awesome, it does come with its own set of risks. In the event of a hurricane or just a tropical storm, you need to be sure what will happen with storm surge or simply drainage of torrential rain. The last thing you want is to find that your perfect lot that you built on may have water lapping at it or has issues with soil drainage that could damage foundations. Talk to experienced, trusted builders – they have seen all kinds of things in their building and remodeling work.
Acreage
There are always plenty of new acreage lots opening up for residential building, especially in Hillsborough County. If you like wide open space and don’t mind the distance from the central parts of the area, this could be amazing. You get plenty of room for your family to grow and play, access to more rural areas, and a large lot to build the home of your dreams.
Whatever your plan, definitely use the advice of trusted custom home builders in Tampa. They can be an incredible resource for helping you find that perfect location. They have their fingers on the pulse and know the local conditions, laws, building codes and everything else you may need for your new home.
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.
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