5 Essential Tips You MUST Know Before Buying Land

Have you ever dreamed of buying a few acres outside the city to build your custom home, or maybe you’re hoping to create something special in a suburban neighborhood? Building a home from scratch is an exciting venture, but it’s not as simple as finding any piece of land and diving in. There are several critical factors to consider before purchasing land to ensure it’s suitable for the home of your dreams. Let’s explore five key things you need to know when buying land to build your home in the Kansas City area.

1. Verify Utility Availability

Connecting a new home to utilities—such as electricity, gas, and water—can quickly become a significant expense, especially if the lot you’re considering is a raw, undeveloped piece of land. The cost of linking a new property to utilities can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $15,000 per service, depending on the distance and the complexity of installation. Additionally, you’ll need to determine whether the lot is connected to a sewer system or if you’ll need to install a septic system. The type of septic system required depends on soil conditions and can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $66,000 or more.

To avoid unexpected costs, have a soil test done before finalizing the purchase. Here in the Kansas City area, real estate contracts often include a provision for soil testing. This test, known as a “perc test,” assesses how well the soil absorbs liquid, which is crucial if a septic system is needed. Partnering with a builder early on can give you a better understanding of the utility costs involved and help you create a more realistic budget.

2. Ensure the Land Can Support Your Desired Home Type

Not every piece of land is suitable for every type of home design. Don’t assume that the lot you’re considering has the right conditions for features like a walk-out basement, a pool, or a large backyard. You may need additional excavation work to create a flat surface or the proper slope, and this can come with high costs. Kansas City’s terrain often includes rock and clay, which can complicate excavation work. Hitting a bed of rock while digging can require expensive removal and may cause delays in your construction timeline.

A qualified excavator or soil engineer can help assess the lot’s feasibility for your home design during the inspection period. They’ll evaluate soil stability, potential water flow issues, and whether you might encounter rock, which could influence both costs and design possibilities.

3. Conduct Thorough Soil and Land Testing

Building on Kansas City land comes with its own set of challenges, particularly because of the clay soil and hidden rock layers that are common in the area. These geological characteristics can require costly preparations before construction begins. Additionally, you might discover spring water under the property, which can cause major issues. If you hit an underground spring during excavation, the costs for rerouting water or adding proper drainage can quickly add up.

Hiring a soil engineer to conduct tests before you finalize your purchase can save you thousands of dollars down the line. Spending a few hundred dollars upfront for a detailed soil test is well worth the peace of mind it provides and can prevent costly setbacks during construction.

4. Verify Property Boundaries, Setbacks, and Easements

Property boundaries, easements, and setback requirements can impact where and how you can build on your land. It’s common for property lines to shift slightly over time, and sometimes they don’t align with visible markers like fences. A professional survey is essential to confirm accurate boundaries, determine any easements, and ensure that there are no restrictions on the land that could interfere with your construction plans.

Additionally, if your lot is within a Homeowners Association (HOA), be sure to review the covenants and restrictions. HOAs can sometimes impose limitations on building styles, colors, landscaping, and even the type of structures allowed on the property. Verifying this information in advance will give you a clear picture of what’s allowed and help avoid any surprises later.

5. Understand Jurisdictional Requirements and Building Timelines

Different cities and counties have varying permitting, inspection, and building code requirements that can significantly impact your timeline and costs. A home within Kansas City limits may follow different rules than one in surrounding areas like Clinton County. Builders can’t break ground until all necessary permits are secured, so understanding the permitting process is crucial for planning your project timeline.

Working with an experienced builder who’s familiar with local regulations can help streamline the process. A reputable design-build firm will often conduct a thorough lot analysis and assist in the pre-design process. This approach helps identify potential challenges early, giving you a realistic idea of the time and cost involved.

Partner with Trusted Professionals for a Smooth Process

If building a custom home in the Kansas City area is your goal, working with a trusted real estate team and design-build firm can make all the difference. Experienced professionals can help you find the perfect lot and connect you with reputable builders, ensuring that your lot choice aligns with your dream home design and budget. At the Nelson Home Group, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from lot selection to final build. Reach out to us today, and let’s start planning your dream home.

Whether you’re dreaming of your forever home or considering land for investment, let’s talk! We can set up a custom alert for Kansas City properties that match your vision. For more Kansas City real estate tips, follow us on the blog, or give us a call today. Let’s make your Kansas City real estate dreams a reality.