Ready to build in New Jersey? The first step toward a custom home is choosing a lot. While you might be envisioning an open layout, picture windows, and a perfectly manicured outdoor oasis, you can’t build any of that without the right piece of land. 

Whether you want a bit more space and privacy, walkability, or a perfectly convenient suburb, here’s what to consider for your residential site in NJ. 

What to Consider for Your Plot of Land 

Location 

This is the first and perhaps most important way to narrow down your land search. Think about the conveniences you want in your life and the requirements for where you want to live. If you want a larger plot to give the feel of countryside privacy, you’ll want to focus on areas like Passaic County and Bergen County. 

Is a short commute and proximity to public transit a priority? Essex County may have what you offer. And if a mix of both walkable downtowns and open space appeals to you, Morris County has the best of both worlds. 

Terrain

When you are touring plots, be sure to consider the terrain and the state of the land. Is it prepped for homebuilding? Or will you need to remove trees, grade the surface, and address a slope that might cause drainage challenges? These are important to consider — an unimproved piece of land in the perfect location may be worth it — but you’ll have to do much more work before you can be ready to build, adding to both your budget and timeline. 

Zoning 

You’ll need to be sure all the land you look at is zoned for residential use and can support your desired home. Zoning requirements may also dictate how much of your lot can be covered. If you have plans for a typical four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, this likely won’t be a concern. However, if your dream home is more of a sprawling estate, you’ll need to do a bit more digging to ensure the requirements in your zone will work with your build. 

Road Access 

Most pieces of land will already be accessible — but if you find the perfect plot on a private road or in a construction site in progress, make sure you inquire about what road options there are. Private roads may require you to take snow-clearing measures or foot the bill for a service.

If you are buying a plot that’s been subdivided, it might not have access to a road. You’ll need an easement to the public road, which you’ll want to get in writing as part of the purchase process. Legal access and physical access are not actually the same — legal access doesn’t guarantee a drivable road.

Utilities 

When evaluating a site for your custom home, you’ll need to know the state of the utilities. This means: electrical, water and wastewater, gas, and internet and telecommunications. Some of these you can visually assess — are there power poles nearby? If you need to add a pole and transformer, it will raise your costs significantly. You’ll also need to know about gas, and whether natural gas is an option.

In addition, if you don’t have municipal water, will you need to drill a well? This means you’ll need to ask questions about the depth and reliability of underground water sources. For wastewater, you’ll need to know whether the land is connected to a city sewer system or if you’ll need to install a septic system, which will require testing.

Finally, some properties are only served by one internet and telecommunications provider. If you have specific needs for your internet service, like working from home, make sure you take that into account!  

Tips for Evaluating a Lot for a Custom Home

It’s vital for your custom home builder to assess your plot of land. Small details like the angle you position your home can make a big difference in both how the exterior looks, how you can maximize the usage of your property, and how energy efficient your home is.

A small change can be the difference between a natural light-filled space and a dark home that requires lots of lamps. Beyond that, testing your soil, analyzing the drainage and slope, and reviewing where every structure will go is vital for a successful project. 

How White Maple Construction Helps NJ Homeowners Find the Perfect Land 

White Maple Construction offers comprehensive custom home building services, starting with helping you find the perfect place to build. We have real estate partners that can help you begin your search. If you already have a piece of land in mind, we can perform a residential lot evaluation for your site and help you design the home of your dreams. 

Learn more about our services, and get in touch today for a free consultation.