I haven’t been in here in about a year. Decided to have a child and spend a year getting the hang of that. As such, the house maintenance has slipped priority a bit ;o)
Anyways, the kid’s 1 1/2 now and we’re back to concentrating on the house. We’re now deciding whether or not to remodel and expand, slightly, our ’29 Tudor style or build a new house.
So, we’ve been looking for lots. There’s a catch. We want to say in the inner city (namely St. Paul. MN, or a few select first-ring ‘burbs)
Of course, that limits our options quiet a bit. Most of the good lots are given to the non-profits, leaving some rather unique lots left on the open market.
But I’m rambling on now. I do have a question ;o)
What should one look for/ask about when considering a lot? Here’s the obvious questions that come to mind:
– zoning issues (set back, etc…)
– location (any southern exposeure? Draining? Views?)
– Soil Type?
– Is it fill?
– Is there sewer/utilities hook up?
– Tree cover? (what trees stay/have to go?)
Basically, I’m just looking for any obvious questions that I may have missed.
For example, we’re looking at one lot now. Wooded, double lot, on a rather steep hill. It’s buildable, but I’m sure there are some significant drainage issues/erosion considerations that need to be looked at before deciding on HOW buildable of a lot it is.
Are there key people we should be talking to before snagging a lot? I’m thinking a check with the zoning folks at the city would be in order–as would paying for an hour or so of time of the Architect.
Any other advice much appreciated!
Replies
I can't be of much help on what to look..I remodel...not build....
But I can suggest you see if there are any community groups in the areas you are looking at.
Out local CDC..Community Development Corporation has monthly meetings......and the woman in charge has her hand in everything that happens around here. We are pretty much city center.....in an area on a bluff that over looks the downtown area....and those precious few lots left with a view command top dollar and building is always going on.
She's involved from day one on most of those....and she also knows about most back street lots ...over grown or ready for sale. Around here...she'd be my first contact to see if she knows of any good deals....or sellers that are looking to make an easy sale.
She knows the area better than any realestate agent could.
Hope U have similar. Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
One thing is if this was ever a mixed up area or the lot might have been used a file at one time is to check for evironment problems.
Bill:
Excellent point.
When we first moved into our neighborhood, I did a little research on the liquor store two blocks down.
It turns out that it used to be a Lake. Then they filled it in with toxic/medical waste. Then Building waste. Then fill. Then a Grocery store. Then the highway came and they turned into a liquor store. now abandoned, soon to be a retirement community.
It's amazing what 100 years of humans can do to an area ;o)
Jeff:
Good advice. Actually, we have many orgs around here and I have begun to try and work with a few of them.
The frustation is that most of these groups are solely focused on affordable housing. This means they get the prime tax-forfeited lots direct form the city. They then build and sell to low income families.
I'm all for low income housing (I believe ALL houses should be affordable) but it's a bit frustating having to compete with your own government for city lots...especially when I'm willing to pay good money for one.
And they wonder why urban sprawl happens? ;o)