Things you need to know BEFORE buying land.

Henderson Home Builders • 17 November 2020

Land…. Dirt… Acreage. The desire to build a home on an undeveloped piece of land can be incredibly enticing. Perhaps you have searched for your ‘dream home’ and came up empty-handed. The idea of building a custom home on YOUR piece of land may seem like a great idea. You’ll have control over the design, architect, builder, and every subsequent design/build decision. 

A view of a mountain range through a forest with trees in the foreground.

Financing  Land loans are considered riskier investments than homes and if you require financing, you may need to put a substantial percentage down on the purchase, and usually at a higher interest rate than a typical home mortgage. Work with a qualified, knowledgable, lender, preferably local to the area. Loan terms can vary widely between lenders on a land purchase, so you may want to talk to a few lenders so you can compare terms and rates. Be sure to ask the lender about the timing of your potential build so you can look at a combined land/construction loan.


Water quality. Be aware of the possibility of groundwater contamination, especially in mountain towns with heritage of mining. While this will likely not be an issue, it would be wise to investigate the possibility.


Soils. A building permit is generally conditioned on a soils test by a soil engineer. Soil types (including wetland areas), the slope of the building site, and other factors (e.g., areas susceptible to flooding) may require additional design considerations. And there are parcels which may be deemed unbuildable due to the possibility that the underlying concerns can simply not be mitigated. A good soils engineer will be able to weigh in on a possible septic design (if not able to hook into a municipal waste system), drainage issues, possible foundation design, and the potential for additional site remediation. 


Survey A new survey is critical when considering a land purchase. A survey may turn up issues that are once again not visible to the naked eye.


HOA Covenants When buying land in a subdivision in which there is a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) it is critical to read through all the governing documents.


Access Make sure the property is accessible. In most cases, a legal parcel in Colorado cannot be denied accessibility, but it may require negotiations of an easement with one more more bordering landowners, or at worst, if the landowner(s) are unwilling, you may need to sue for access. 

Custom Concept Home

From Concept to Construction: How to Ensure Your Custom Home Meets Your Vision

by Henderson Home Builders • 7 October 2024
Building a custom home is an exciting yet complex endeavor that allows you to bring your dream living space to life. Whether you are a home design enthusiast, a future home builder, or an experienced homeowner, clear communication with your custom home builder is crucial. This blog will guide you through the process of ensuring your custom home aligns perfectly with your vision, offering valuable tips and strategies to make your dream a reality.
A wooden deck with a table and chairs on it

Top Trends in Deck Design: Insights from Leading Construction Services

by Henderson Home Builders • 22 May 2024
Introduction to Modern Deck Trends
A kitchen with a large island in the middle of it and stainless steel appliances.

Keep Your Renovation Project from Becoming a Disaster: A Comprehensive Guide

by Henderson Home Builders • 7 June 2023
Renovating your home can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. From choosing the right design ideas to finding skilled professionals and managing costs, there’s a lot to consider. One of the homeowners' biggest fears is that the renovation project they have been planning for so long will become a complete disaster. But don't worry; this guide will provide useful tips on keeping your renovation project on track, so you can enjoy the beautiful results of your hard work.
A construction site with a forklift and a crane.

Secrets of High-Quality Custom Home Construction: The Basics of Structural Integrity

by Henderson Home Builders • 30 December 2022
Are you considering custom home construction but want to ensure your dream house will last for generations? Building a high-quality, structurally sound home requires knowledge of the basics of structural integrity and the features that contribute to durability. This post will undoubtedly provide valuable resources and advice from experts in this industry. So read along as we dive deep into understanding why quality structure matters and what steps you can take for successful custom home construction.
There is a wooden roof over a brick kitchen.

Choosing an HVAC system for new construction homes in Colorado. Where to start?

by Henderson Home Builders • 15 November 2022
Heating and cooling are essential parts of any home, new or old.
There is a ladder in the middle of the room.

Thinking of starting some HOME improvements?

by Henderson Home Builders • 28 October 2022
If you’re thinking about investing in home improvements, but you don't want to break the bank, then one of the first areas you should look at is the kitchen. Your kitchen is a gathering place for your family and friends and where you spend the most time cooking, cleaning, and eating. You'll get the most enjoyment out of your home when you invest in the space you spend a majority of your time in so here are some kitchen remodeling tips when staying within a budget. PAINT and save on cabinets. New cabinetry can account for between 30% and 40% of your kitchen remodel costs and that's on the low end. So if you’re happy with their location and functionality, but the finish is dark or dull, consider painting them instead of replacing them. Splurge on a quality FAUCET. The faucet is the hardest working part of the kitchen, so go for quality and convenience—meaning a premium brand and single-handle operation. Keep character and functionality in mind when choosing a BACKSPLASH Think of the section of wall between the countertop and the cabinets as a canvas where you can express your personality. It's such a wonderful opportunity to reflect your design style. Create a spreadsheet for your BUDGET and check it often. Put your budget and how much you’re spending on a spreadsheet so you can keep tabs on how much you project is actually costing you. If you see a cost overrun starting to happen, you can then adjust it in other areas.  Think about wood-look flooring alternatives. Wood offers natural, traditional beauty, but it scratches, dents, and wears under kitchen conditions. Easy-to-clean porcelain tile comes in a wide range of designs, including convincing stone and wood looks, but most things that drop on porcelain will break so it’s worth considering other softer alternatives too.
Evergreen Fog

Have you used the 2022 Color of the Year in your home yet? There's still time!

by Henderson Home Builders • 13 October 2022
We are rolling into the end of the year at a rapid pace BUT there is still time to use the 2022 Color of the Year and it’s one you don’t want to miss. AND what is the 2022 Color of the Year? Evergreen Fog SW9130 by Sherwin Williams
A house is being built with a large porch and a lot of windows.

Not sure where to start when creating a HOME ADDITION? Here's a short guide for you!

by Henderson Home Builders • 7 October 2022
Step 1: What is your WHY? You've determined you want more space and extra square footage, but it's important to decide exactly HOW the new room or rooms will be used so you can design them accordingly. Step 2: Do your RESEARCH. Make sure you have all the correct building permits filed with your city and find out about any regional restrictions like limits on the number of stories you can have, or lot line considerations before diving into the project. This will save time and effort for all involved and it's always best to start the process with proper expectations. Step 3: Set your BUDGET. Since your addition is CUSTOM, you can adjust how much the project will cost based on your budget. When you use a builder like Henderson Home Builders, we help you find the right floor plan and finishes for your budget. Step 4: Understand that you might have to LIVE with construction or temporarily move out while under construction depending on how big the project is and what the timeline is. While inconvenient, the temporary displacement is absolutely worth it in the end. Step 5: If possible, TOUR some homes to see how other people have done their additions or renovations you might stumble upon some awesome ideas you didn't originally consider. The more you SEE the more your own vision will solidify and then become a reality!
A small house with a wooden deck in front of it

Considering Your Financing Options: The Differences Between a Mortgage Loan and Construction Loan

by Henderson Home Builders • 5 October 2022
When you're in the market for a new home, you may be wondering what kind of loan is right for you. Should you get a mortgage loan or a construction loan? Here, we'll break down the key differences between these two types of loans so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
A construction worker is standing on top of a crane.

Building A Custom Home Vs. Buying an Existing Home

by Henderson Home Builders • 26 September 2022
Americans are mobile people. We will move an average of 11 times in our lifetimes. Each time we do, we have a choice to make. Will we buy a new, custom-built home or move into an existing one? When transitioning to a new town or neighborhood, there is no one-size-fits-all calculator or checklist that can automatically answer this question for you. Instead, you’ll need to carefully consider several factors and how they fit with your personal needs.
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