Building a Home in the Raleigh NC Area
Site Work is Essential When Building a Home - Here's What to Look For
Top Questions for Raleigh Custom Homes
"What does 'site work' mean? I've seen some home prices that say 'does not include site work'. What is it that's not included, and how much should I add to the total cost of the home?"
This is an essential question to ask for anyone looking at building a home.
The Definition of "Site Work" Can Vary
You'll want to get specifics. In some cases, "site work" can include quite a few costly items.
- Lot Clearing
- Foundation Preparation
- Rough Grading
- Final Grading
- Landscaping
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Permits and Fees
- Septic or Sewer
- Well or Water
and even electrical hook up may all be considered "site work" by some builders.
What's the Price Tag?
These costs can add up to 10% or more to the total construction costs - it depends on several factors. Some counties cost more to build in than others. A complex septic system can add to cost. A sloped or heavily wooded lot will cost more to prepare than a flat meadow lot.
Include Site Work in Your Total Quote
In most cases, you're better off with a construction quote that includes these costs, rather than financing the actual "construction" portion (and paying a deposit), then financing these costs out of pocket.
When you receive a bid, make sure that each of these items is included, AND is specific to your lot or piece of land, if you're already selected a location. For example, it won't help you if your building permit allowance covers the costs for one inexpensive county - but not the county you're planning to live in. Also, consider the allowance amounts.
Most builders will set up excavation and site work as allowances, as there can be unforeseen challenges. Take the allowance amounts into consideration when comparing bids. Make sure the builder has seen your lot, and is familiar with the area you're building in. If you like a builder who has low allowances, you may want to consider asking that the allowances be raised somewhat so that all costs are more likely to be covered.
Get all the Details in Writing
A valid bid should be detailed enough that you know exactly what is going in to your new home at each stage of construction, so that there are no surprises during or after the project.
We're happy to help homebuyers compare several different bids, and answer any questions on materials or allowances specified. The more details your builder provides, the better informed your decision will be.
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Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
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Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
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Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Penny, Good points. I do believe that all new construction in this area includes site work...
Most builders in neighborhoods do the site work but custom is so different. Making sure to cover all the bases up front!
Laura and Michael - Yes, site work is almost always included with a spec home or when building in a particular neighborhood. It can become a bigger question when building on your lot or land. And even in a neighborhood, it pays to ask what kind of driveway and landscaping you're getting!
Hmmm...I am now wondering if locally it is understood that site work is included or not...that is one call will make today! Thanks!
Kristen - Many builders automatically include at least an estimate or allowance for each of these categories for a custom project. Others might quote an extremely low price, to which you'll want to make sure you add each of these other necessary parts of the construction process. It differs from builder to builder, so it just helps knowing the right questions to ask!