I’m helping someone who is going to be moving to a suburb of Dallas (Plano or Frisco) in just over 18 months and am hoping to have a custom home built. She’s currently looking at plots of land, though isn’t sure if she should hire someone (architect, contractor, etc.) to walk the potential lots with her before she signs to make sure they’ll accommodate what she wants.
What’s standard practice here? Or what’s generally recommended? Thanks!
Hey Zach, If your client is pretty dead set on a particular floor plan then the lot will need to conform to those plans. Otherwise you can conceivably build the house to conform to the lot that she purchases.
Typically Architect firms are pretty busy and although I have heard of architects walking sites it is not common practice (at least in my area).
If your client is looking for land it would be a good idea for her to start working with a builder who can guide her through this process as well as determining feasibility with other aspects of land acquisition. I have helped clients look for land directly and i have also assisted realtors in finding lots for their clients.
There is no right answer here. Every area is different, every architect and every builder is different. I know that not all home builders assist with purchasing land, some will charge for their time, some will do it for free to earn your business and some want you to buy on their lots. This is why establishing a good relationship early on with your builder is a good 1st step in the home building process.
I hope that answers your question!
