Creating Houses that Fit the Lot

I've been observing a lot of properties recently that were not constructed to make maximum advantage of the lot upon which they were constructed. This hurts the resale value. Usually these are properties in tract subdivisions. One very conspicuous example is a residence standing near the greenbelt space on a dead-end lot. To the left of the property, and straight out the cul-de-sac as you go into the street is natural ranchland scattered with stunning mature oak trees, native vegetation, and a wet weather creek. A space that is dedicated not to be developed. One of those kind of panoramas one can observe in photos, the scenery of wholesome Texas Hill Country that you envision appreciating them while sitting on a rocking chair at the back of the porch or on a swing. It really beats the heck out of looking at a neighbor's house. The person who made the house sure did blow it.

Much to my astonishment, the floorplan of this property offers no recognition or compass reading to this wholesome setting--none at all. If I had constructed on this lot, I would have chosen a floorplan where in I could appreciate the native Texas scenery, having the windows of the kitchen or the living room point towards the scenery and added a largely roofed terrace. This property was constructed without even a roofed terrace in back, and the terrace itself is a tiny 5?8 foot concrete lump. Upstairs, the master bedroom is on the other side of the home from the open space and offers no view.

If nothing else, the similar floorplan could have been flipped to the other side, had a small number of windows moved or added to the proper areas, and the breakfast area and kitchen would have had a sight and the master bedroom would have stared out over the native Texas scenery.

So why in the world would someone construct a home on this lot that doesn't make full advantage of this beautiful and peaceful sight? In my point of view, individuals would select first a floorplan and then choose a lot to build it on when buying for a new home, although they don't make time to decide whether the home is a good match for the selected lot. I've also seen builder spec houses constructed with the similar deficiency of thinking as to which floorplan may best make advantage of natural surroundings and/or compass reading of the lot.

On the other hand, negative distinctiveness of a lot can be mitigated by thinking better. For example, would you construct a home at the 'T' end of a street with the master bedroom windows in the front of the home? No, due to the headlights from vehicles at night will shine into your bedroom windows. If you don't consider of things like this in advance of time, you will unluckily discover it the first night after you transfer in.

Concentrate on how well both the home and the lot compliment each other if you're ready to buy or construct a new home. Stay away from houses that grossly ignore this relationship. Pay attention to how the streets are aligned and whether there may be possible light interruption into your home from night time road traffic. Pay attention to the compass orientation of the home, the likely sunlight may either compliment or torment your living area.

Because of these types of concerns I eliminate numerous candidate properties off the list when previewing houses for purchaser prospects. To make a good home it makes more than a good floorplan, this is why these houses that look ideal in Internet pictures and on paper doesn't endure on the first visit. The lot has to have the proper floorplan.

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This article was written by R Chandler Smith, a top real estate expert in the Austin area. He operates Austin Texas Home Appraisal as well as Real Estate Appraisal in Austin

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