While looking for a lot to build your dream home, there are a number of things to take into consideration. Learning the terminology and the potential impact of various lot conditions can be a bit daunting. Here’s a collection of land terminology and simple definitions to help get you started.
Dirt
You will hear lots of reference to “dirt”. In fact, some people in the industry use the term “dirt” as slang for the lot itself. ”That lot in Bethesda sure is one nice piece of dirt!”
You will hear lots of reference to “dirt”. In fact, some people in the industry use the term “dirt” as slang for the lot itself. ”That lot in Bethesda sure is one nice piece of dirt!”
Dirt Compaction - Your “dirt” may be too loose to build a home on. This can lead to the ground settling more than typically expected, and damaging or even destroying your home. A method of mechanical compaction is used to increase the density of the dirt.
Dirt Haul - When your foundation is dug, particularly on smaller urban lots, truckloads of dirt may need to be hauled off. Installing dry wells will also require dirt removal, as it will not be reused.
Fill Dirt - On larger lots where extra grading is necessary you may need to bring in additional dirt.
Permits/FeesThere are a number of permits you will need to acquire and fees you may need to pay the local county before we can build your dream home.
Right of Way - Your job site will require a construction entrance for equipment and vehicles to access the site.
Building Permit - You will be required to acquire proper authorization from the county before construction can begin.
Impact Fees - If you are buying a new piece of land, not tearing down an existing home, the local county may impose Impact Fees. If for instance, the area schools are overcrowded, you will be charged a fee for the “impact” building another home in that school district will have. Impact Fees can run as much as $50,000, so it is best to determine what they will be up front.
Bonds - Similar to insurance, a bond can be purchased to protect you against adverse events that may disrupt construction. The county or utility companies may require the posting of a bond to insure work is completed to proper specifications. This money is refunded once work has been expected for appropriate completion.
Topography
When considering a piece of land, there are a number of things to considering regarding the topography that can greatly impact your build and/or the cost of preparing the lot. In some cases, the county may even require you to build something in your land to manage rain water.
When considering a piece of land, there are a number of things to considering regarding the topography that can greatly impact your build and/or the cost of preparing the lot. In some cases, the county may even require you to build something in your land to manage rain water.
Storm Water Management Dry Wells - A dry well is a structure build underground for the removal of rain water, by dissipation into the ground and ground water.
Rain Gardens - The county may require you to build a rain garden to absorb stormwater, reducing runoff to storm drains. This would essentially be a hole where water can soak into the ground. Rain Gardens are designed to your specific soil type and climate, and often effort is made to choose indigenous plants, known to adapt well to area conditions.
Storm Water Management Retaining Ponds - You may be required to build a retaining pond to manage stormwater runoff. This is essentially a permanent basin of water, often designed to look like a small lake, with landscaping around the edge. This is done to protect against flooding and improve water quality.
Sediment Control Silt Fencing - Most any construction site will require a silt fence to protect local bodies of water, such as rivers and streams, from sediment in stormwater runoff from your site.
Forest Conservations - Your lot may have wooded areas designated for forest conservation, which must be left intact. You would not be able to remove any trees or build on this area.
Grading - Your lot will need to be graded to ensure a level base to build the foundation of your home, as well as to ensure proper surface drainage and topography for landscaping, walkways, a driveway, etc.