If you are looking at building a custom home in the Sarasota or Longboat Key area, you first have to find an available lot. Whether your home builder has some to choose from, or you purchase a vacant lot on your own – you will have to determine what type of home will work best on that lot.
There are many factors which come into play when you are deciding on your new home specifications. To what extent does lot location determine your decision making?
Why the Lot Location Matters
- Community Deed Restrictions: The most obvious restriction will come into play if you purchased your home in an established neighborhood, or a new community which is still under construction. Most likely, they have community covenants which limit the type of home you can build. But even if you are not buying in an obvious “neighborhood”, some areas do have zoning laws which may affect your design. If you are buying any new lot, it is best to ask what limitations, if any, are placed on your home’s construction.
- Size of the Lot: Clearly, the size of the lot and the required easements will determine what type of home you can build. The restrictions on home size may vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood.
- Proximity to Other Homes: If your lot is only separated by a few feet from the neighboring home, you may not want to put a big picture window on that side of the house. Your proximity and position in relation to the other homes surrounding you may require some different design decisions.
- Where the Best View Lies: Whether it is a stunning beach view, a vista of a peaceful pond, or a forest of tropical plants and trees – you will probably want to position your home to take advantage of it. This may mean floor to ceiling glass windows, a rooftop deck, or an expansive lanai. Whatever signifies paradise to you, your home should showcase it.
- Fit in with the Neighborhood: If your lot is in a traditional older neighborhood or historic district, you may want to reconsider a contemporary mansion. Although many Sarasota neighborhoods are very eclectic and the landscape is changing every day, keep in mind your ability to resell your home one day. Look around at what others are building to get a feel of the diversity – or solidarity- of your new neighborhood.
- Bring in the Light: As a Florida homeowner, one of the benefits of all this sunshine is bathing your home in natural light. Based upon which direction your home faces, how close the other homes are, and how dense the vegetation, you may wish to add soaring ceilings, skylights and larger windows to let in as much sunlight as you can.
- Stay Dry: If you are living within a certain distance to the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay, or any of our other beautiful waterways, you will have to check local zoning laws regarding elevation requirements. Many new home builders will recommend building a home on stilts, installing flood vents on the first floor to allow water to flow through, or even adding soil to elevate the grade of the lot. Working with an established Sarasota or Longboat Key home builder will ensure that you will be advised as to the latest building codes and how they affect the design of your home.
The experienced custom home designers at Lindahl Construction can offer you several ideas as to how to build in a flood zone.It is nearly impossible to design your dream home before you know the layout and topography of the lot you will build on.
If you are still looking for the perfect lot – or if you have a lot and need a home – just give us a call. For decades, Lindal Construction has represented quality new home building and renovation across Sarasota and Manatee counties.