By: Bill & Kevin Burnett
Q: We have just been approved for a construction loan and will be building a kit house. What are some questions or things we need to think about when it comes to getting bids for preparing the land and getting a driveway, foundation and septic system?
A: Remember the three most important real estate buzzwords: location, location and location. Usually, that relates to buying a house or land. In your case, location means sitting your house on your land. Three critical questions have to be answered.
First, does the land "perk?" Without soil loose enough for wastewater to percolate into the ground, a septic tank cannot be installed. We're assuming you had this test done prior to buying the land.
Second, if you are going to use a well for drinking water, will the flow on your site support that use?
Third, locate the building where the foundation can be poured on undisturbed ground. Removing fill dirt and replacing it with more stable material or drilling concrete piers to bedrock greatly increases the cost.
Another commonsense but key point: Keep the well uphill from the house and the septic tank downhill. Gravity is a wonderful thing.
The rest is pretty much good old horse sense. The closer to the road the building site, the less expensive the foundation and driveway. A flat site is easier and less expensive to build on than a site on a slope.
Sources for specific information include local building inspectors and planners. Don't be afraid to ask for contractor referrals. They may not give you a specific recommendation, but if you ask a question such as, "Who does this kind of work around here?" you'll probably get a name or two of people they like to work with. That usually means few problems and a good job.
From there a good paving and grading contractor can guide you in site preparation and answer specific questions about preparing your lot for your new home.
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "