Building a custom home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it’s also one where every single decision seems laced with finality. While it’s easy and natural to become overwhelmed (and excited!) for all the fun choices that lie ahead some people instantly get wrapped up in the little details—when first and foremost is where you want to live.
At Highland Builders, we’ve worked with many clients who come to us with land already picked out. They’ve spent time looking; they’re anxious to get an assessment and cost to build underway. These folks will often say that selecting the land for their custom home was unexpectedly one of the most uniquely rewarding aspects of the entire home building process. From the views and topography to the privacy and available acreage, something about untouched land just screams possibility.
Related: Check out a new custom home in Louisa County, VA!
Now on the other hand, there is nothing wrong with purchasing a lot in a new development, just like it’s perfectly fine to purchase a new home in one of these neighborhoods. Buying, or building your dream home—you can’t go wrong if you’re satisfied with the result.
Envision where you see yourself
Do you want a private piece of land in an undeveloped area?
Do you prefer a home in a master-planned community?
Do you want the convenience of a HOA?
Do you like the anonymity of a rural area?
The choice is entirely yours, but as your resource, guide and partner, we encourage you to look at the opportunities available in undeveloped areas if you’re at all curious as to what rural land can offer. It’s likely you’ll be surprised at what you can get that doesn’t apply to lots in established communities.
“But it looks the same on the outside…”
Let’s take for example a custom home in Goochland County or Powhatan County verses a new home on a lot in a master-planned community. The home in the HOA comes with features and amenities that a rural area does not. If your eyes get wide at the thought of a pool, exercise facilities, maintenance and management, an HOA might be perfect for you. Keep in mind that once you’re in the HOA, you are expected to abide by their rules and restrictions—everything from how/where you can park your car to how loud, and often, your dog barks.
Looking outside of the HOA box, you’ll find that endless opportunity—and freedom—awaits. Freedom to choose the exterior finishes and features of your home, change your mailbox, paint your porch, fence your yard and listen to loud music without complaint.
Related: What’s the difference in a new home and a custom home?
It’s not too good to be true!
If you feel like the privacy, space and freedom of purchasing rural land sounds too good to be true, you’re wrong! As we discussed in an earlier blog post people are of mind that purchasing land and custom building is too expensive. We hope the facts and figures proved this as a major misconception! Between the cost of land, price for contractors and financing the new home, it’s cheaper to custom build a home on land you purchase. In fact, you can save close to 25% of the total home cost when you custom build instead of buying in an HOA.
| Custom Home Build | New Home in Neighborhood | |
| Buying Land | 15-20% | 30% |
| Real Estate Fees | 0% | 6% |
| Financing | 2% | 4% |
| TOTAL
18-23% savings |
17-22% | 40% |
Let’s build your dream home—on your terms
At Highland Builders, we build it with you, not for you. Our team wears many hats—we ease anxiety, help narrow options, bring assurance to your decisions and much more. Whether you’re ready to draw up plans or still searching for the perfect lot, we’ll jump on board any step of the way. Let us offer our expertise where necessary to help you get to a place of confidence.
Related: What to look for in a custom home builder
Simply want to talk possibilities? We’re here to go through the differences in all the choices. We believe the best place to start is with a conversation, so reach out to us today for a no-pressure discussion about what awaits in your dream home. Contact Highland Builders at (804) 449-6006.
