SKY & SONGH O M E S

CUSTOM-HOME PLANNING · OCTOBER 2026

What to check before buying a lot for a custom home

A promising address becomes a building opportunity only after the right property questions are answered.

Confirm what property you are evaluating

Collect the parcel number, current survey if available, ownership documents, recorded easements, and available building records. Confirm boundaries and the reviewing authority. City names and postal addresses can differ from actual jurisdiction.

Check the allowed use and building envelope

Review the property’s zoning and applicable planning context with the authority and qualified advisers. The desired use, footprint, height, setbacks, and site coverage must be evaluated for the actual parcel. Do not assume a neighboring home proves what can be built today.

Understand the ground and the approach

Discuss whether geotechnical, drainage, grading, retaining, or other site investigations are appropriate. Review how people, equipment, and materials reach the property. Practical access can affect the construction approach as much as the building design.

Verify services rather than assuming them

Confirm water, wastewater, electrical service, and any relevant connection or capacity information. Rural and unincorporated properties may need a different servicing discussion from an urban lot. Ask what evidence is needed before treating a connection as available.

Review property-specific constraints

Ask about applicable coastal, flood, fire, tree, historic, environmental, or design-review considerations. These are questions for parcel review, not a claim that every property has each restriction. Private covenants and association requirements may also need separate review.

Connect feasibility to the budget

Identify investigation costs, likely site work, application steps, and the uncertainties that could affect the design. The early objective is to understand whether the property can reasonably support your brief.

Ask Sky & Song about a feasibility conversation before commissioning a detailed home design. Purchase decisions, title questions, and contractual contingencies should be reviewed with the appropriate real-estate and legal professionals.

Prepared for prospective Sky & Song homeowners. This guide explains planning considerations; your project scope and applicable requirements need a property-specific review.

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