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Buying Land 101: Tips for Purchasing Your Property

Building a new residential or commercial structure is an exciting venture, especially if you’re doing so for the first time! While it’s natural to feel somewhat intimidated by the process, it always helps to take everything in small, actionable steps — the first and foremost being purchasing land for your building. Aside from location and financing, there are several factors you’ll want to consider when buying your first piece of land, including zoning restrictions, water and sewage options, and sufficient access for construction equipment, to name a few. If you’re wondering where to get started, don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the essential considerations for your property and how you can ensure total satisfaction and efficiency with your final decision.

Work with the Right Real Estate Agent 

Finding an experienced land real estate agent or real estate agent who specializes in land transactions is a must for any first-time property buyer, and finding one who specializes in your specific site needs is even more crucial! For example, many specialized land real estate agents only buy and sell horse-friendly properties or waterfront lots like those in Malibu, Carmel, or Miami, making them a wise choice for clients with property requirements beyond the standard must-haves. However, even if you don’t have any specific site needs, working with a local land agent is still incredibly beneficial, as they will have more in-depth knowledge about your area and local regulations.

While clients can hypothetically utilize a regular real estate agent or go it alone, the reality is that using a land agent or broker makes the entire purchasing process that much easier, better, and more cost-effective in the long run. With a trusted land specialist helping you identify suitable properties, navigate municipal regulations, and negotiate transactions, you can enjoy the experience of finding your perfect property and feel more confident in your resulting purchase.

Assess Land with Existing Infrastructure 

It never hurts to purchase an existing home with a few extra perks on its lot, like a detached garage, shop, or pavilion area, and the same goes for vacant properties. You may find that a site with additional assets, such as irrigation pumps or fenced pastures, could help cut building costs and make it more affordable to maintain the land over time. Before deciding to invest in a property with existing infrastructure, be sure to perform your due diligence to determine if the systems or structures in place are, in fact, operable or in satisfactory condition, especially since they could lead to additional expenses for repairs or replacement if not. Your land agent can help you with this process by obtaining the appropriate information from the seller or seller’s agent or helping you set up a site inspection.

Perform a Site Evaluation

Conducting a site evaluation is a necessary part of the land purchasing process, as this will help you better determine the suitability of your site and what issues, if any, you can anticipate with your property. For first-time buyers, we recommend visiting your chosen site several times during escrow to evaluate its unique characteristics and how they might impact the building process. For instance, some aspects that could increase the cost and time of construction include:

  • Slopes, which may require extra foundational work
  • Vegetation removal
  • Well and septic hookups
  • Unstable soils
  • And any environmental concerns, such as wetlands, endangered species habitats, or flood zones

By assessing the land and any resources provided on it ahead of time, you can make a more informed decision with your land purchase. For more information on what to look for during your site evaluation, check out this in-depth land-buying checklist through BuildingAdvisor.com! 

Read the Fine Print

 Are there any *encumbrances or easements on the land? Before purchasing your property, carefully read all attachments and the complete title report for your site and discuss any incongruities with a title officer. Easements, such as power, road, and irrigation easements, may require the attention of a lawyer. By taking steps to learn more about easements, you can better understand who can come onto a property and reduce the potential for unwanted surprises later on.

*An encumbrance is a claim made by a person or party who is not the owner against a property. This claim is something to look for, as it can affect the transferability of the property and make it harder to do as you please with your land until lifted. An easement, on the other hand, is a type of encumbrance that outlines a party’s right to use or improve the property. It can also restrict the title owner from using or developing certain portions of the job site. 

Know Local Zoning Laws & Special Programs

What a buyer plans to do with a purchased property might make them eligible for special programs, which may reduce the accompanying property tax! For example, in some cases, land purchased exclusively for farm use may be eligible for unique tax assessment programs. To determine the applicability of these programs to you and your site, speak with a county tax assessor to learn more about your options and any limitations for use or development as it applies to your zoning status.

It’s also worth mentioning that zoning laws are subject to change, making it essential to understand how this may impact your use of the land in the future. As a current buyer, it’s always a good idea to research local zoning laws in addition to any proposed changes that could alter them later.

Make Your Dream a Reality

Finally, once you’ve taken the proper steps to evaluate and research suitable properties, it’s time to purchase your preferred site and start designing your dream structure! With the help of our team, you can either build off one of our pre-engineered building models or create a fully custom design based on your unique design ideas. No matter the complexities involved with your design or land, we’re here to help you make the most of both investments.

Have any questions or concerns? Feel free to call us at (888) 975-2057 to speak with an experienced representative. We’re always just a click or call away and can help you get your project off to a great start.

 

Introducing our New Line of Cabins with Garages

When brainstorming designs for new kits, our team always begins by looking for improvements to our existing collection. While our line of cabin kits continues to evolve with enhancements like modern alternatives and A-frames, we also noticed a growing need for cabins with built-in vehicle storage for greater functionality, safety, and value. Today, we’re proud to announce our brand-new line of cabin kits with garages that fulfill that need while boasting efficient, family-friendly floor plans that offer dozens of possibilities for your space.

With our cabins with garages, you can easily create the ideal family home, vacation rental, backyard ADU, or anything else you envision for your property. Learn more about our all-new cabin models below! 

The Wildwood Cabin Kit

Our Wildwood Cabin Kit is the largest pre-engineered model in our line of cabins with garages, with this design boasting a three-bedroom, three-bathroom floor plan across two stories. With 2,104 square feet of conditioned living space, plus a 494 sq. ft. covered porch and 523 sq. ft. garage, you can configure this layout to serve as a cozy cabin-style home or a beautiful Airbnb that offers short-term and long-term hosting capabilities. 

The Sherwood Cabin Kit

The Sherwood is a striking L-shaped design with 1,885 square feet of conditioned living space, a 368 sq. ft. covered patio, and a 495 sq. ft. garage for efficient vehicle and equipment storage. A large window wall outside the great room adds character and improved natural lighting, while a stone fireplace gives the living space that authentic cabin feel. With this cabin kit, clients can enjoy a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan. Clients can also utilize a 440 sq. ft. loft area for additional storage or as an adorable lofted bedroom. 

The Cottonwood Cabin Kit

The Cottonwood may be our most compact cabin kit with a garage, but what it lacks in square footage, it certainly makes up for in charm and curb appeal! Like our Wildwood and Sherwood, we designed this model with stick-framing methods and timber rafters to create an expansive interior with beautiful exposed wood members and minimal structural posts. Our Cottonwood offers a 1,480 sq. ft. floor plan with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an inviting open-concept living space. A 484 sq. ft. garage and a charming 180 sq. ft. covered porch also contribute to this model’s desirability, making it a perfect primary home or vacation rental that will surely increase the value of your property. 

Want to learn more about our cabins with garages? Give us a call at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote for your preferred model here

The Do’s and Don’ts of High Desert Homes

High desert regions like Joshua Tree, California, and Bend, Oregon, have experienced substantial growth over the last decade — and once you’ve visited areas like it, you can understand why. With their wide-open landscapes, expansive sky views, and a vast array of plant and animal life, these high desert regions offer an alluring contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. Not to mention these growing towns often feature the best hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and off-roading activities of any region, making them highly desirable to outdoor enthusiasts who crave adventure within a natural setting.

That said, building a home in a high desert area can pose several challenges for homeowners, with considerations like extreme temperatures, water availability, and fire risks playing a significant role in the final design and selection of your materials. If you plan to build in a high desert region, here are some of our recommended do’s and don’ts for your upcoming residential project:

Do: Use Appropriate Wood

High-quality timbers like ours are incredibly durable and dense building materials that perform outstandingly in various climates. However, that doesn’t mean these materials are necessarily impervious to the extremes of high desert regions. While our Douglas fir lumber makes a solid and beautiful siding material, this wood type can be susceptible to damage caused by UV degradation. Because of this, we recommend applying a UV-resistant finish to your wood, especially if you plan to include this siding material as part of your exterior. Western red cedar and redwood are also great options for your siding, as these wood species are naturally suited to handle the desert’s dry and harsh weather conditions.

Our team offers an exclusive pre-staining service that helps save you time on the job site and ensure long-lasting results for your siding. Our pre-stain machine evenly coats all six sides of your framing lumber, providing complete protection and coverage for your investment. We offer Timber Pro UV natural wood stains and finishes as part of this industry-leading service. To learn more about their available stains and the benefits of using Timber Pro UV, visit their site here!

Do: Plan for Thermal Insulation

Given the extreme temperature shifts of high desert regions, you’ll want to take the proper precautions to ensure your home is well-insulated and equipped to keep you safe and comfortable in any season. By selecting high-quality insulation materials and techniques for your home, you can help drive heat and humidity out during the summer and keep your place warm on chilly winter nights. When deciding on insulation for your high desert home, you’ll want to look for options that yield a high R-value, like spray foam insulation and structural insulated panels. However, clients should always consult their contractor or a local expert to ensure their insulation choice meets the requirements of their specific location and build.

Do: Install Quality HVAC Systems

Installing an efficient and effective heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is a must for any high desert homeowner, especially if temperatures reach up to 115°F or higher in their region. According to Architectural Digest, some of the best HVAC systems you can invest in for your home are through Lennox and Carrier. Lennox partners with Energy Star to offer some of the most energy-efficient air conditioning systems on the market, including units with high seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER). Carrier also offers top-tier HVAC options known for their quiet operation and energy efficiency, with most systems boasting high SEER ratings.

Do: Protect Against the Sun

High desert regions are notorious for their scorching summers. To protect your wood home against high heat and constant sun exposure, consider how your design and materials can help preserve the naturally durable qualities of your structure. For instance, and as mentioned earlier, clients should consider applying a UV-resistant stain to their siding for maximum protection, especially heavily pigmented options like semi-solid and solid color stains. The color of your roof can also play an important role in repelling heat and boosting your home’s energy efficiency, with lighter colors providing a “cooler” surface that helps direct heat away from your home.

Don’t: Ignore Fire Risks

Fire safety is one of the most important considerations involved in the design of a high desert home. As wildfires continue to intensify across the globe, homeowners need to consider how they can best protect their structures and families if a wildfire starts to spread in their area. At DC Structures, we offer several fire-safe building materials for our clients, including non-combustible cladding material through James Hardie and dual- and triple-pane glass windows through Andersen and Pella. To learn more about our available fire-safe materials and commitment to protecting your structure, visit our Fire Safety page here.

Don’t: Overlook Ventilation

Good airflow is essential in any desert environment, considering there’s nothing worse than dealing with unwanted heat and humidity inside your home. When crafting your high desert abode, don’t forget to plan for plenty of ventilation options like windows and doors. Our vented and windowed cupolas are also a fantastic addition for clients planning to build in the desert, as these gable-roof structures help improve the overall ventilation and airflow inside your space.

Don’t: Neglect Water Efficiency

Water scarcity can be a big concern for homeowners in remote high desert areas, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be top of mind for those in more developed desert regions. By incorporating water-efficient appliances and fixtures in your home, you can significantly reduce your water and energy consumption while conserving the critical water supply of your town. Clients can also help minimize water use by xeriscaping their backyards, which includes slow-growing drought-tolerant plants like perennials and cacti.

Don’t: Skip Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance and upkeep are critical for any home, let alone a wood-clad structure in the desert. To ensure your home remains strong and beautiful long past installation, you should plan to re-stain your siding every year or so for the first few years after construction wraps. While maintenance requirements vary by location, the extreme weather and temperature conditions of high desert regions make consistent cleaning and upkeep necessary for peak performance and longevity.

Interested in learning more? Call us today at (888) 975-2057 to speak to one of our representatives or request a quote here if you’re ready to get started on your high-desert design.

Introducing our New Line of Custom Home Kits

The term “custom home” conjures up a broad range of designs for most people, from rustic timber frame and post and beam homes to Southwestern adobes and contemporary farmhouses. While primarily used to describe a tailor-made home personalized to its owner, we also thought this term made perfect sense for our brand-new home kit collection, considering these residential designs encompass several different architectural styles, building methods, and floor plan opportunities. With our custom home kits, you can create a unique and luxurious residence from one of several distinct starting points, including our Terrebonne ranch-style home, our Trillium modern home, and our Applegate farmhouse. If you’re interested in building a beautiful home outside our signature barn style, keep reading below to see what new and exciting options are available to you and your family! 

The Terrebonne 

The Terrebonne is a ranch-style home with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, multiple bonus rooms, and a wraparound covered porch that gives your exterior a cozy countryside feel. With this residential design, you can look forward to dozens of attractive features in your space, including two-story high ceilings in the great room, a catwalk loft above, and gorgeous Andersen windows and doors. We designed this pre-engineered building model with Douglas fir timbers and open web floor trusses to create an incredibly durable framework for your home that leads to expansive, wide-open spaces inside. For clients seeking a Southwestern-inspired home built for any location or climate, our Terrebonne could be the ideal choice for you. 

The Tryon

The Tryon is an impressive Craftsman-style home inspired by our Eugene Custom Home project. This pre-engineered building model features a whopping 4,511 sq. ft. floor plan that includes five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and an open-concept living space with access to a 1,155 sq. ft. outdoor patio area. Our clients designed their Eugene Custom Home with a full basement to fit their hillside property characteristics, which we can add for you if your site calls for it or if you desire more room for your hobbies. No matter your vision, our experienced designers can help you turn your Tryon into the heavy timber home you’ve always wanted.

The Alder 

Our Alder Custom Home Kit boasts a rustic mountain design reminiscent of modern wood lodges and homes. With its high-quality craftsmanship, angular layout, and attention to detail, this heavy timber structure offers an enticing blend of artistry and simplicity. Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a den, an office, two hobby rooms, and a two-car garage. A covered porch in the back provides a relaxing setting for after-work hangouts, family gatherings, and more. With hundreds of customization options and high-quality materials available for your home, you can easily personalize your Alder to meet your needs, style, and location. 

Not seeing what you’re looking for? We also offer contemporary farmhouse and modern home kits under our Custom Homes category that may suit your vision better! 

For more information on our farmhouse home kits, please visit our Farmhouse Home Kits page here

For more information on our modern home kits, please visit our Modern Home Kits page here

The 7 Essentials of Farmhouse Design

Farmhouse design is a timeless aesthetic defined by its large open floor plans, wraparound porches, and rustic exposed wood members. This design style focuses on functionality and simplicity above everything else, making it the perfect solution for those seeking an interior that grows in value and popularity with age. Whether you’re planning to redesign your living space or build a custom farmhouse from the ground up, there are plenty of ways to bring the charm and beauty of modern farmhouse living into your home. With so much to think about, let our team help guide you in the right direction with these seven essentials for farmhouse design:

Reclaimed Materials

When designing your dream farmhouse, using reclaimed materials is a must! Reclaimed materials can be wood, steel, wool, or any type of material that has been used previously and is re-used in its original condition. Wood is perhaps the most commonly used reclaimed material in farmhouse-style homes. You can find reclaimed wood on the side of a barn or vintage support beams salvaged from an abandoned building. Additionally, you can always create an accent wall with reclaimed wood paneling for an added rustic touch.

Neutral Color Schemes

When it comes time to choose your paint and color scheme, neutral tones tend to be a natural choice because they help make rooms appear larger and brighter. Colors such as off-white, grey, beige, or light blue make the perfect backdrop for a contemporary farmhouse. With a neutral color scheme, you can create an inviting environment for all your guests.

Minimalism

While the traditional farmhouse is still adored, modern farmhouse style has steadily been gaining traction. Minimalism, known for its clean lines and simplicity, works to create a modern and uncluttered feel. When minimalism is combined with rustic accents, it can bring out the ultimate cozy vibes for your space. If you’re looking for ways to highlight the bare essentials of your home, here’s a great resource for incorporating minimalist features into your farmhouse interior.

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers are a wonderful way to add color and texture to your farmhouse. Cowhide, jute, and hemp make fantastic materials for rugs to pad your beautiful hardwood floors, while wool and organic cotton make warm, comfy blankets for chilly winter nights. Considering natural fibers are sustainable and renewable, these materials offer a healthy choice for you and your home!

Natural Light

Since many farmhouses were built before the days of electricity, using natural light was essential. Even once homes were wired for electricity, the use of natural light was still a popular option because it helped cut utility costs. Large picture windows and skylights will bring in the warm glow of the sun, working to create an airy and bright atmosphere. Additionally, adding a windowed or vented cupola to your design helps ventilate your interior and enhance the natural lighting of your space! 

Exposed Wood Beams

Another way to incorporate reclaimed materials into your farmhouse would be to use reclaimed wood to create exposed beams throughout your home. Exposed beams can be structural or decorative — the choice is up to you and your design team! Keep in mind that exposed wood beams are certainly a must-have when it comes to designing your dream home

Wraparound Porches

One last, and possibly most important, essential of farmhouse design is the inclusion of a wraparound porch or veranda. A wraparound patio provides the ideal place to enjoy summer sunsets and even snowy winter nights by your gas-burning fire pit, giving you a year-round place to relax in and soak up the beauty of the great outdoors. 

We’ve covered everything from reclaimed materials to minimalism and natural fibers. There is so much you can do to make your farmhouse feel like home, but with these seven design essentials, you’ll be living your farmhouse dream in no time!

Interested in designing a farmhouse-style home through DC? Be sure to request a quote today or give us a call at (888) 975-2057!