How To Choose Where to Build Your Home in Charleston!
Have you been thinking about building a brand new home in the Charleston area, or thinking about moving to Charleston to build a home? Are you having a hard time picking where you might want to build your home? Here are some suggestions and tips on how to make that process a little less stressful!
Welcome back to the Architecture Plus blog, readers! We are your leading Architecture Firm in South Carolina! We are here to talk about architecture and more and we frequently talk about commercial architecture in South Carolina, commercial build architecture in South Carolina, and residential architecture in South Carolina right here on the blog! Today, we are going to be talking about residential architecture and ways to help pick where you should build your home. Over the last few years, 2020 especially, Charleston and its surrendering areas have seen quite a jump in rates of new residents moving into the area, and the number of houses being built has skyrocketed! It's a very exciting time to move to the area and build in the area, and we've been enjoying helping our clients make their dreams a reality when they decide to build a home with us at Architecture Plus. Have you been considering moving to Charleston and building a home or are you already a resident and you want to build your first home here in the Lowcountry? Are you having a difficult time picking where you should build and how to go about that process? That is what we will be talking about today!
How to Decide Where to Build A Home
So you're thinking about purchasing a plot of land to build a home on! What are some things you need to consider when going about doing this?
One of the first things you need to consider is the location. Are you looking for privacy and want a good amount of land surrounding your home? If you do, make sure to consider how close your nearest grocery store, gas station, hospital, post office, and schools are when picking a more remote location. Or, do you need to be closer to a city and all that a metropolitan area offers like restaurants, shops, entertainment, and do you want to be closer to your neighbors? Understanding and knowing this will be a big deciding factor in where you should begin looking for a plot of land!
A big consideration for those interested in building here in Charleston is how close you want to be to the water! Make sure to do your research when it comes to the local flood plane and keep tropical storms and hurricanes in the back of your mind. If you want to build close to the water, we don't want those factors to scare you away, you just need to remember that the closer you live to the water the more it will have an effect on the overall design of your future home and what elements you can and cannot have.
Make note of the growth in particular areas and do your research! Do you want to be a part of a community that's growing or one that is established? Many neighborhoods are just being plotted out, so there is a lot of opportunity waiting for you if you want. However, depending on your family's needs that might not be exactly what you need right now. You might need something that is more established and has more of a move-in ready feel.
For those who have already purchased a plot or have a plot in mind, please make sure that you are allowed to build your home there. Do your research on what the zoning and ordinances are for the particular area you have in mind!
While you're checking in on the zoning and ordinances, also check and see what the city and county's long-term plans are for the area around your potential new build! If there are plans for a new road or commercial park, will you be okay with that? How will it affect your home and the future of the area for you?
Also know and do your research into how your future county and city deals with and handles things like garbage removal and recycling, animal control, what the local law enforcement is like, and what kind of care the area puts into your local parks and roads.
Do your research on property taxes and what your potential new local taxes will be! Will they be worth it after you finish building your home?
Is the plot your looking to build on part of a subdivision that has an HOA? Are you okay with that? Are you alright with the HOA fees, what you're getting in return for these fees, their rules, and what that might mean on how you can and cannot build on your property?
Please research and know before you buy if there is a lien on the property. A lien is a legal notice attached to the property's title due to unpaid debt. You don't want to be stuck with a lien that you didn't know about until after you pay for the land itself!
Decide if you want to build on a lot or a build-ready lot. With an empty lot, you will have to consider adding gas, water, electricity, sewage, and connecting all of these utilities to your property. If you choose a build-ready lot, this isn't something you'll have to deal with, it will already be there for you!
Consider road access! If you are buying an empty lot, you'll need to consider how much of a driveway and connection roads you'll have to add into your construction to reach the main road. You'll need to consider the private property around you, if you'll need to get an easement, and consider your neighbors around you. In the Charleston area, you will also need to consider if you're building by protected land or an animal sanctuary!
Know and research what the property set backs could be for the lot you're interested in. This is the ruling on how far back you can build your home from the lot's border. There may or may not be one, but it's very important to know before you buy your property!
You should have the soil of your land inspected, too. This will check the quality and composition of the soil and will determine what the cost of the foundation will be, the type of landscaping you can do, and how the home will be built.
Consider the entire geographic layout around you and the plot of land you're considering. Are you close to the water or the marsh? These are specific smells that come from those areas, the boats and barges that sail on them, and the industries that rely on the water. Are you okay with those unsolicited sights and smells? If you live close to populated areas, are you okay with the amount of and the type of sounds connected to this? What about living close to the railroad? Sights, smells, and sounds all need to be considered into your final choice of where you will build.
While you might have a piece of land picked out that already has a price tag attached to it, make sure to have the whole parcel appraised from an outside source before you buy. Their professional eye might save you from drastically overpaying!
Things To Know and Consider Before Moving to Charleston, SC!
Now that you know a little bit more about picking a piece of land when wanting to move to the Lowcountry, we wanted to share a few more pieces of information about what to know before moving!
It is the number one city in North America and has been on the Conde-Nast Traveler Readers Choice Top U.S Cities list for the last five years and counting.
Nature plays a big part in the way of life here! Hurricane season runs from June until November, which can take some getting used to. However, it's not just hurricanes to think about. There is so much to enjoy about the outdoors; the weather, the beaches, the parks, hiking trails, water sports, and more! South Carolina also has a lot of native creatures to consider, some are very majestic like the dolphin and bald eagle. You will also need to consider those on the less majestic scale like snakes, sharks, gators, palmetto bugs, mosquitoes, termites, and noseeums.
The history of the city is a very important element of the city and the state. It gives the area a beautiful culture, and it is very rich in beautiful sights and locations to visit and enjoy every day.
Tourism is a big deal here. While you'll be able to enjoy all the perks of a tourist, you'll still be experiencing them with a lot of other people that aren't from around here.
The food and entertainment culture is very strong!
Celebrities are a common sight! Not only while they're on vacation, but the film industry is rapidly growing thanks to shows like the Righteous Gemstones, that is filmed right here in the Lowcountry.
There is so much to discover, and not just in downtown! Explore all the cities connected to the Holy City, and you'll find gems where ever you go!
For any future residents moving from areas that commonly have snow, be patient with the locals when it does snow here. While it is very rare, it can still happen! The city is not equipped like states in the north are to handle snow. A few flurries can slow or shut the city down!
You can find anything you might want or need when it comes to a home, and you can find an area perfect for your price range!
The commute isn't so bad and depending on where you are thinking about moving to, some parts are walkable. Please pay attention to if you will need parking permits for where you'll be living. This is a feature that really only applies to homes built downtown or by the beaches.
For those looking to move to this beautiful area, welcome! We understand why you are choosing to become residents of the Lowcountry and we can't wait to work with you! For anyone that is already a resident and you're looking to build a home with us Architecture plus, we can't wait to work with you too! Let's get ready to build your perfect home right here in Charleston, SC! Until next time, stay safe and stay inspired!