3 Tips to Remember When You’re Ready to Build on Your Lot

When choosing to build a dream home, it’s important to keep in mind that more goes into it than the home itself. In fact, the lot itself is a big part of fulfilling that dream—particularly if you’re building a home in the Lake Keowee area. Lake homes have specific needs you need to know about that an experienced builder can help you understand.

You may be wondering about the process when it’s time to build on your lot, or just how important it is to find the right piece of land. If you’ve found a lot in an existing community, you may already have the right floor plan for your needs from the community’s builder. However, if you started by securing the perfect lot first and now want to build the home you’ve always wanted, you’ll want to understand the process. If you don’t know where to begin, the following tips and advice should be considered before you move forward with your plans.

Build on your lot Lake Keowee

Find a Builder Who is Experienced with Building on Lake Keowee

Make sure you start by doing your research. Here’s why: if you find a home builder you like and have already purchased a site, there could be a chance that the builder will opt out of constructing a home on that property. Some builders simply will not construct a new home on a site they don’t own and prefer to focus solely on the communities they’re developing. Before you end up disappointed, make sure you look for a builder who matches your needs. They should have experience developing a lot like yours, so ask to see their portfolio to make sure they have the knowledge, experience, and skill working with an unimproved lot.

Don’t forget to arm yourself with great questions as you interview builders, such as what construction challenges they faced and how they managed them, so when it’s time to build on your lot, you’re fully prepared to understand the process.

waterfront property in South Carolina

Do a Walk-through of Your Property

Make sure to include your builder on a visit to your lot so they assess your needs alongside you. While you may see stunning lake views and dream of a custom home with luscious landscaping, they’ll see the important details that ensure you end up with the home you want. A trained eye will spot drainage needs, develop a plan for excavation, and even determine the way a home should be sited. As you review the lot, ask your builder up-front questions. What costs may be incurred to build a foundation? Will it be costly to access utilities? Are there easements or zoning issues that could either be an obstacle or prevent you from building altogether? The right builder will be able to explain the limitations of the lot and offer solutions before you purchase the land or build on your lot.

Work with Your Builder on the Home Design

Don’t forget that your home and your land should exist in harmony with one another. You’ll need to take your lot into full consideration as you plan your home. Before you choose a new home design, start dreaming with your custom home designer. After all, some of the features you want to be incorporated into your home may affect how the home will be sited. For example, you may want a wide front porch with seating, a view of the lake from your kitchen, easy lake access from your home, or large windows to let in light. Keep in mind that land with slopes could be harder to construct around. Be flexible and know that your builder will make recommendations that allow for that harmony between land and home.

Doc on Lake Keowee

When you’re ready to build on your lot or to begin looking for the perfect spot, Total Quality Home Builders is here to bring your dream to life. We have a diverse portfolio of designs that demonstrate our expertise and we’ll help you personalize your design to fit your style and your property. Contact us to bring your dream closer to reality.

home flower garden

For custom home builders in South Carolina, planning your landscape design starts with native plants. Native plants, which are found naturally within a region or environment without human introduction, are great options for your landscape because they’ve formed a symbiotic relationship with the wildlife to create a sustainable habitat.

In fact, native plants can help your local environment in a number of ways. Because they thrive in the soils and atmosphere of your region, you’ll be able to control wasteful supplemental watering and you can even prevent pest problems. Native plants also help manage rainwater runoff and can maintain healthy soil through a root system that’s right for your land.

If you’re considering building a home, the following is a list of 7 native plants recommended by custom home builders in South Carolina. These plants can help your landscape thrive while preserving the natural history and protecting the ecosystem found in the region. Learn more about South Carolina’s native plants by visiting the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Southern Magnolia, Magnolia Grandiflora

Southern Magnolia, Magnolia Grandiflora

A Magnolia is a magnificent tree that’s synonymous with southern living. Its large, creamy white flowers emit a lemony scent for a summery treat. If you’re a bird lover, it’s a great nesting tree. Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers and the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker feed on its seeds while squirrels, rabbits, and birds—including wild turkey—like to eat its fruit. While the flowers don’t last year-round, this tree is evergreen, so it keeps most of its leaves throughout the year. It’s a perfect tree for shoreline buffer.

Wild Rhododendron, Rhododendron Maximum

Wild Rhododendron, Rhododendron Maximum

Wild Rhododendron is a beautiful addition to any custom home thanks to their easy upkeep and variety of colors. The spectacular blossoms of a Rhododendron, which bloom between early spring to midsummer, attract hummingbirds and butterflies, creating a magical backyard oasis. Grow these plants alongside oaks and pines or use them as shade for ferns and wildflowers.

Sweet Pepperbush, Clethra Alnifolia

Sweet Pepperbush, Clethra Alnifolia

A Sweet Pepperbush plant is a magnet for the types of wildlife you’ll love to watch. The flowers are environmentally beneficial as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds stop by for nectar from its fragrant white flowers, which appear mid-summer. The fruit of the Sweet Pepperbush is typically eaten by shorebirds, game birds, and waterfowl. This plant is frequently used as a shoreline buffer and its roots help prevent erosion from occurring.

Carolina Jessamine, Gelsemium Sempervirens

Carolina Jessamine, Gelsemium Sempervirens

Custom home builders in South Carolina will tell you the fragrant yellow, trumpet-like flowers of the Carolina Jessamine are a beautiful addition to any yard. That’s because, in part, it’s the state flower of South Carolina. However, this vine, which looks beautiful climbing a trellis, fence, or wall also attracts hummingbirds, game birds, and butterflies. Keep in mind that this vine is not only hardy, it’s also poisonous. Talk to your builder about the best way to ensure it stays away from pets and children.

Goldenrod, Solidago

Goldenrod, Solidago

Some people believe Goldenrod is a weed, but don’t let those opinions fool you. The reality is this plant is incredibly versatile in its uses. The official South Carolina State Wildflower, Goldenrod’s yellow, daisy-like flowers are favorites of butterflies and bees and its seeds nourish Goldfinch and other birds. In fact, its leaves may be used in herbal teas if you’re feeling adventurous. Like other plants listed above, Goldenrod is a great shoreline buffer.

Royal Fern, Osmunda Regalis

Royal Fern, Osmunda Regalis

Custom home builders in South Carolina can’t get enough of the Royal Fern, and for good reason. This deciduous fern provides a beautiful, low-maintenance form of ground cover and is crowned with a rusty-brown flower in the spring. This fern is deer resistant and grows well in wet, acidic soil along swamps, bogs, and stream banks.

Florida Azalea, Rhododendron Austrinum

Florida Azalea, Rhododendron Austrinum

The Florida Azalea, like the Wild Rhododendron, is easy to maintain. Its beautiful yellow and orange flowers bloom in masses in the spring and emit a honeysuckle scent. The Florida Azaelea is a draw for Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillaries, Monarchs, hummingbirds, bees, and songbirds, making it a lovely addition to any landscape.