An important issue before starting to design your custom home is deciding its position on the building lot. Lot placement is important because it allows you to take advantage of views, topography, and amenities. Some building lots may have special features or limitations that make this decision a simple one. Others that are large and flat may have limitless possibilities.
First of all, you need to tackle the foundation issues. If your house is on a slope, then the engineers are going to give you limited choices in how to place the house on the building lot. You’ll have to follow very specific requirements for grading, piers, or other specialized foundations. If your topography is far from flat, you may want to consult an engineer early in the design process. Constructing a foundation can be complex, and you need to discuss it with the architect or engineer during the house design process.
When it comes to the orientation of the house, it’s just a matter of preference, so think whether you like the sun in the morning or in the afternoon. Too little sun can make the house seem dark and dank. Too much sun can be energy inefficient and weather the house prematurely. You need to consider other directional factors, such as wind, noise, and city lights, that can negatively impact your home.
Natural Advantages of the Building Lot
Many people building custom homes have some natural features that can add to their home’s beauty. You must take advantage of these natural elements in the design and placement of the home, focusing on the following:
- Foliage: If your lot is in a rural area with plenty of natural landscaping, consider natural growth patterns for beauty and easy maintenance. High trees and bushes can afford you privacy, but clearing tall brush and cutting back trees may give you unexpected views.
- Mountains: If you have a larger lot in a mountainous area, decide to be on top of the peak or shaded at the foothill. Or you may simply prefer to stare at the neighboring giant.
- Rocks: Small groups of stones or even large boulders can make for a dramatic effect depending on where you place your house. In some rural and mountainous areas, designers have built spectacular homes with boulders in the house making the home unique and saving the cost of demolition.
- Trees: Trees provide shade and beauty. They can also be a nuisance with dropping leaves and fruit. Like boulders, some old magnificent trees can be incorporated into the home’s design.
- View: The right view can significantly increase your home’s value and beauty. Try to optimize views for rooms where romance, relaxation, and entertainment occur.
- Water: People pay premiums to live by the ocean or near lakes and rivers. Take advantage of these aquascapes, but be wary of flooding issues by checking flood maps with your engineer.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that reconstructing landscape and waterways or removing huge trees and boulders can be costly and in some cases environmentally damaging. When making significant changes to the elements, work with your engineer to create proper site drainage and insure the soil will remain stable with few erosion problems. Otherwise your house could slide down the hill or be buried by mudslides. Look for ways to take advantage of what was naturally provided on the building lot.