Raw land is one of the most misunderstood real estate investments in the world. While buying land for your future custom home can be risky, the myriad of benefits can outweigh the broad range of pitfalls if you make the right decisions. Hiring a contractor is a great way to navigate the various pitfalls and sail through the risky process of land transfer. Once you identify the right agent, ensure that you ask the following questions:

Q: Does the lot have any restrictions?

A: Most of the lots you will encounter might have some zoning restrictions that might limit the usage. Every municipality has a subdivision plan that limits how a piece of land can be utilized. If an area is zoned for residential use, it has a limitation when it comes to erecting shops, offices, and other commercial buildings. As such, ensure that you verify the zoning specifications before you buy land. If the land belongs to a Home Owner’s Association, it will have some stringent restrictions that aim to maintain the quality of the neighborhood. The goal is to avoid any misconduct that might disrupt the neighborhood.

Q: Is the Property Positioned in a Flood Zone?

A: In some areas, some parcels of land remain unsold since they are in a flood zone. In other areas, several properties are located near the water bodies, increasing their vulnerability to flooding. If you have the plot surveyed, you will know whether the lot is at risk of flooding before you buy. A lot that is in a flood zone can be quite expensive to insure. While a waterfront can be quite valuable, the risk of flooding can cause a lot of harm to your property. A surveyor can help you to get access to the flood maps in your area so that you can make a good decision before you invest your money.

Q: Is the Property Landlocked?

A: While it seems odd, there are lots of properties that lack access reliable access by road. If the lot is surrounded by private property on all sides, you will not have access to your land. If you lack legal access to your property, you can be accused of trespassing by using the private roads. The secret is to examine the subdivision plan and identify your lot before you make a decision.

Q: Does the Property Have Access to the requisite utilities?

A: Unfortunately, there are many properties in undeveloped areas that lack access to municipal water supply. If the neighboring properties have access to potable water, it means that tapping the water to your property is quite easy. Other utilities include gas and electricity. Find out whether these utilities are available in the neighboring areas to see whether you can access them in your property.

Q: What is the Shape and Size of the Parcel?

A: While the land might meet your requirements in terms of square footage, the shape might cause some limitations. If you have designed your dream house, an uneven shape can be virtually useless when it comes to construction. A build-able plot has a regular shape in terms of length and width, and choosing a rectangular lot is always a smart idea. If the irregular shape of the land forces you to rethink your plans, you should think twice before investing in it.