Do I Need to Own Land Before Starting the Process?
The four starting points we see, and what each one changes about your timeline and financing.
No. We can help you find and evaluate land. Plenty of clients come to us with nothing but an idea of the area they want to be in, and that's a perfectly normal place to start.
The four starting points
- You already own land. Great, we'll evaluate it for grading, utilities and zoning. See building on property you own.
- You have a lot under contract. Get us involved before closing if you possibly can. A lot that can't support the home you want is a hard problem to solve afterward.
- You've identified a lot in a development. We work with developers and landowners across the region and build in communities including The Sanctuary in North Canton.
- You have no land at all. We help you look, and we tell you honestly whether a lot you like will work.
Why land comes before final design
The lot constrains the house. Width and setbacks limit footprint, slope drives foundation type and cost, and whether public sewer and water are available versus well and septic can move the budget significantly. Designing in detail before the lot is settled usually means redesigning.
How land affects financing
If you own your lot outright, that equity often functions as part of your down payment on a construction loan. If you're buying, you may need a lot loan first, or you may be able to roll the land purchase into your construction loan. Your lender will tell you which applies. See down payment expectations.
Before you buy any lot
Read what to look for when buying a building lot and whether your lot needs a soil evaluation.
See where we build on our Where We Build page.