What does it take to build in the country?  Patience and planning!

So what would you need to know as a homeowner, before we can just start building on a piece of ground.  Well, quite a few things.  Fortunately, Granite Ridge Builders has become an expert on building in the country, and will guide you throughout the process.  But, proper planning is so important given that no two pieces of ground are alike!

What are some items that will need to be considered?

IMPORTANT! Step One: Is the soil buildable? I know this sounds like a dumb question, but the land needs to be tested to make sure we can even build a house on it.  This is something you may also want to make the offer on the land contingent upon - buildable soil.  Need a contact person who will test the ground you are considering?  Just ask us.

Site Engineering - This can include staking, plot plan, initial and final survey of the property. 

Permits and Fees - Permit and assessment fees may vary depending on local county guidelines. Some of these costs should be investigated before purchasing the property.  To obtain a building permit, most counties require a highway/driveway permit, septic permit, agricultural waiver and a recorded deed.

Electric Service - Does this property have power? If electricity is not readily available at the site, or you want to sit your home way back off the road, there may be an extra cost for this.  Often times new service requires engineering, new poles and transformers.  (Using Geothermal Heating/Cooling can sometimes get you a discount on obtaining initial eletric availability to the house)

Grading - This is important to calculate, especially if you are considering a basement.  More specifically, if you are planning a walk-out basement because there is a certain amount of slope needed to have a walk-out basement.  Additional excavation could be necessary if you are wanting to "force" the grade to fit the house.  Also, additional dirt may be required to fill in if the property is too low, or to rememdy bad dirt.

Well/Septic - Generally, it is necessary to drill a private well for a water source.  Wells can vary from 50'-400' in depth!  Typically, the cost of a well would be around $3,500-5,500 installed.  Septic systems can also vary depending on the county and soil type.  The layout of the parcel is also critical to the layout of the well and septic.  There are certain restrictions as to where the well and septic can be placed, as well as where they can be in relation to each other.

Again, it is our pleasure to help assist you in the process of prepping a parcel of ground in order for you to build your dream home on it.  Although there are multiple steps involved, we help you through the process, from start to finish.  This way both Granite Ridge Builders, and you, the homeowner, are happy.