New Build- Where to Start?

Question

Hi All! We recently purchased a house on a double lot. They are already parceled separate and have their own address (the vacant lot use to be a house that is now gone so it has sewer access). What is the first step? Building permits, blue prints, survey? Any and all advice would be great!!

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Stacy Patlan as you are doing, first make sure something is feasible.

There is a lot for sale near me, similar situation of separate parcel that always ran with neighboring property.  Issue is the lot is 50' wide (standard) but neighboring properties on both sides are built right up to the lot lines, and City of Cincinnati is 7/16 side setbacks.  You could likely get a variance, but even then would be be shoe horning a house between the other two.  So building is possible, but not realistic on this lot.

Once you know you can build, I would start interviewing builders.  Some will only build their own plans, some will build anything.  If there are unique aspects to the lot, i.e. sloped and need peering, I would asked about their experiences with that.  If it is a standard, flat lot most any builder can handle that.

Next come plans.  Builder/architect will handle those, and should be able to run the rest of the job, i.e. permitting, subs, etc until finish selection.  Also, make sure you understand whether each line is a bid/estimate or allowance and how eats costs for overages, and if you come in under, do you get that money returned.  All the builders I have ever spoken with, no one ever comes in under budget.  And also ask how they are pricing things: cost + 15% is common.  But some builders will bilk you on finishes, i.e. a farmhouse sink is a $2,500 upgrade, even though you can buy the same sink for $500 at HD and base cabinet is a wash.

Stacy Patlan · Answer

Thank you guys! I will work on speaking with zoning today!

Tawanda Thomas · Answer

I assume you purchased both lots when you purchased the house.  If that is the case, I would speak to someone in zoning to make sure you know what size home, etc. can be built on the lot and then if you are going to have a home built, design and get blue prints done, then building permits, etc. If you are getting a home builder to build for you, give them a call and they will handle the rest. I hope this helps as a start.

Greg Dickerson · Answer

First step is to discuss the project with the planning and zoning dept to find out if you can build and what the requirements are like setbacks, lot coverage, height restrictions, parking requirements, permits required, permit fees, impact fees, proffers, utilities costs, sidewalk curb and gutter requirements if any etc. Once you have an idea of feasibility in terms of what you can build and the footprint available you want to discuss costs with a GC who builds the type of house you want to build to determine of the project will make sense financially. They should have some stock plans to give you an idea of what the costs and timeframes will be and can guide you from there.