Natalie Burnside, The Cobb Group brokered by eXp RealtyPhone: (843) 295-1178
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Photo by RTImages via Shutterstock
Buying raw land with the intent to build can be exciting, but there are many things to consider before you make the purchase final. Building requirements: From soil type, building setback requirements, electrical accessibility, well drilling, sewer placement and everything in between, learn what needs to be done and planned before beginning the project ahead.
The type of soil can have a huge impact on the cost of excavation. Sandy or rich soil will make for easy excavation; however, if your ground is Rocky, or bedrock is present, it will be more challenging and likely require heavier equipment to complete the task at hand. Setback: City, county and state setback means the structure you are building will need to be set back a certain distance from the property line. It's always best to check with the county and learn the requirements before you begin your excavation.
Check with your local power company to understand the means and requirements for connecting your electricity.
The power company will send an employee to look over your project and inform you of your best options for hooking up power. Will a new pole need to be set? (If so, will this pole obstruct a view you were looking forward to having?) Will electricity be brought to your land underground? Be sure to check with your power company at the beginning of your project to secure a spot on their calendar to keep your project moving in a timely fashion.
You will need to get ahold of a drilling company to discuss the location for drilling your well. Your well will need to be a certain distance from your sewer system and land setbacks. The well company will give you an estimate of how deep your well may be due to neighboring wells; however, they won’t be able to guarantee a certain depth. Well cost is based on how deep they need to drill to get the needed gallons-per-minute that will be suitable for your particular needs.
The ground type will determine what sewer system will be needed for your project. The sanitation department will dig a hole on your property and, after examining the soil (perk test), they will decide what system is suitable for your project. If your structure is residential in nature your system size will usually be determined by how many bedrooms you will have as well as the soil type.
If you visit your county office and inquire about your upcoming building project, they can give you guidance as to what you’ll need to be aware of and who to get in contact with as you begin your project. You’ll need a file or folder to keep all building-related paperwork together. Staying organized will be key as you proceed. Typically, the beginning of a project will be full of many delays, so take a deep breath, and do your best to enjoy the satisfaction of each task as you see it come to completion.
Originally from the midwest, Natalie and her husband Brian spent many years following his career but knew they were forever home when they made it to the Lowcountry. During vacations on Kiawah Island, they would dream of retiring to the South Carolina coast. When an opportunity presented itself to move to Bluffton much earlier than they envisioned, it was a “no brainer” and has proven to be one of their family’s best decisions. The two things Natalie loves most about the area are the community’s welcoming attitude and the always changing, but consistently breathtaking, views from the Lowcountry bridges. “It seems that everyone you meet in Bluffton and Hilton Head loves their community and genuinely wants you to fall in love with it, too…whether it’s for a week of vacation or to plant your own long-time roots.”
