Property Evaluation - How To Find a Good Custom Home Building Lot

Things to consider when searching for property to build your new custom home in Winter Park, Orlando and Central Florida.

Choosing a building lot in a good location can have a major impact on construction and lifestyle matters. We can help you analyze and compare available properties over a wide spectrum of considerations. We have a 4-page checklist of important issues to consider as you hunt for a good spot to build your new custom home. Property Evaluation Checklist

Community - All three of the major green certifying organizations put emphasis on the community aspect associated with the location of a property. Location within a community and the assets of the community itself impact: cost of living; quality of life; recreational activities; travel time; quality of schools and available amenities.

Market Value - While we are by no means experts at real estate evaluation, we do have a long history and knowledge base in the community. Additionally, we have several contacts within the real estate community and can help you with recommendations. Property values are closely tied to appeal of the location and in a community there can be a substantial variance between properties even within relatively close proximity.

Zoning - It's important to understand the restrictions imposed by the local government where a property is located. Just knowing the right questions to ask or potential hazards to avoid can have a substantial impact upon the scope of construction that may be allowed. Winter Park in particular has demanding requirements that can be quite confusing for first-time researchers.

Orientation - The shape and characteristics of a property should influence the design of a home. An understanding of the solar arc of the sun has substantial impact of the energy use and comfort of a home. Home design influenced by orientation can, reduce noise and energy use; increase privacy and comfort and; enhance views.

Site Planning - The footprint of the can be established after determining the buildable are of the property. Setbacks are the distance that the structure must be set back from the property boundaries. These are established by the permitting jurisdiction and can be quite confusing to and inexperienced designer.

Construction - Characteristics of a property can affect the cost to build upon it. Soil quality; accessibility; slope and elevation variance, and; vegetation and trees, can all affect the cost to build. Sometimes the most appealing properties have challenges that mandate special attention and expertise to avoid construction problems. We consider ourselves "experts" on the unique requirements of Winter Park and have recent experience in The City of Orlando, The City of Maitland and Orange County. In New Smyrna Beach, we recommend talking with Stewart Mitchell. He grew up there and his family has owned property since the 1800's. Please let us know if you have any questions.

We have a 4-page checklist of important issues to consider as hunt for a good spot to build your new custom home. Property Evaluation Checklist

Little is more meaningful and personal than a home, and the experience of designing and building your own home should be rewarding and enjoyable. Choosing a builder is difficult. The process of designing and building a home involves numerous decisions about components, systems and services selected from criteria that includes price, quality, appearance and performance. How can you possibly understand everything unless the builder is willing to share all of the information?   

Allow us to introduce you to The GCH Way of building your next home. Please let us know if you have any questions. Keith Groninger