Purchasing land for new construction is a fun first step in building a custom home. There are, however, some additional factors that come into play when purchasing land, especially in the coastal areas of the Grand Strand, that you will need to keep in mind to help avoid costly delays in the process. To start your search for a new homesite you’ll need to have a basic idea of the size of house you need, styles you prefer, and how you will use the land around your home.

A few key things to note when purchasing land to build your new Myrtle Beach home:

• Are you building a vacation home or your primary residence?
• Will you need a multi-car garage?
• Space for a large garden?
• How will you use the outdoors? Think ahead for pools, outdoor kitchens, the need to park larger recreational vehicles, etc.
• Will you need a separate living space from your main home or any additional structures not connected to your home?

Top 5 Things To Consider During Your Lot Selection

1. Location. Location. Location! Narrowing down the many Grand Strand Communities is a priority! Get the conversation started with these questions:
   • If you are building a vacation home or rental property, is the lot zoned properly for how you will use it?
   • Are schools important to you?
   • Do you want to be in a coastal area or inland?
   • Are you retiring and seeking a 55+ community?
   
   
2. Desired Amenities – Ask yourself what amenities within your home and your community are the most important to you. If you seek privacy and room for a pool or outdoor living, you’ll need more space and want to find a lot within a neighborhood that has space between homes and mature trees. Likewise, if having a community environment is more important you won’t need as much surrounding your home but will want to look for active communities.
   
   
3. HOA vs Non-HOA – Homeowners Associations can play a vital role in helping maintain your neighborhood, preserving home values by regulating appearance overall. They can, however, restrict the style of your home’s exterior, how recreational items are stored, the size of your home, and more! Understanding the covenants and restrictions of the neighborhood before you buy is key to flexibility in your home design.
   
   
4. Regulations & Requirements – A residential lot buyer should work with a professional who understands the ARB requirements for different neighborhoods as well as the regulations and requirements of each municipality. This process can be hard to navigate but should be something you consider prior to purchasing a lot.
   
   
5. Lot Specific Considerations – Once you have narrowed down your general area and style it’s time to dig in on specific lot requirements.

A few key questions to ask:

• Are there any existing structures? If so, will you demolish, relocate or be able to build around them?
• Is the land developed? If it’s not cleared already, you may need to add room in your budget to clear trees, add fill dirt and install utilities.
• Are there any areas that are not suitable for building?
• Flood Zones- these are especially important in our coastal area. Be sure to look at the most recent FEMA maps and understand if the lot or any portion will be in a flood zone.
• Make sure a survey has been done and is not outdated. Surveys serve purposes beyond just showing property lines and easements. A construction survey can help your home designer in planning out the dimensions of the home as well as the elevation.

Keep in mind this is just a top list of considerations when purchasing a lot to build. There are several things to check before making an offer and each location is different. At CRG Companies, we combine all the services you need under one roof. Our custom home consultants are also Realtors who work with our construction and design team to build dream homes across the Grand Strand. From the sale of your current home to lot selection, home design, and custom home construction including the permitting and ARB process, we are here to help.