Custom Homes Raleigh NC
Buying an Infill Lot - What is an Infill Lot, and Why is it Greener?
What To Look for with Infill Development
What is an Infill Lot?
"Fill In" Lots
Think of an infill lot as "filling in" available lots and land where infrastructure and services are already in place.
An infill lot might be an empty lot between homes in an existing newer subdivision.
An infill lot could also be an available piece of land between older homes, or between buildings.
Why is an Infill Lot Greener?
Revitalized Neighborhoods
The Urban Land Institute says that urban infill lots converted to new homes create neighborhood revitalization.
Public Transportation
An infill lot is more likely to have access to public transportation that has been put in place to service existing homes and businesses.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
An infill lot is more likely to be near local businesses and amenities, making walking or biking viable options - and reducing carbon footprints.
What Should I Be Aware Of When Buying an Infill Lot?
Architectural Design
Homebuyers will want to try to match the architectural designs in the existing neighborhood as much as possible. A 4000 sq ft home built in a neighborhood consisting of 1500 sq ft homes will probably not hold value well - and may not appraise well for financing.
HOA and Review Committees
As in many neighborhoods, potential homes may need to be reviewed and approved by any existing homeowners associations or review committees.
Shape and Size of Lot
The lot may be an odd size or shape, which has caused it to be passed over. Your builder may be able to recommend a type of home or floor plan that will fit well, or make modifications to your favorite plan.
Impervious Surface
The city or county may have a maximum impervious surface requirement. This means the foundation, walkways, and driveways can not cover more than a specific number of square feet. Again, the builder and/or architect can work to design or modify the home, driveway, and walkways so that the impervious surface requirement is met.
Sewer and Water
Don't assume that sewer and water are readily available - be sure to check on whether or not hookups already exist at your infill lot. If not, find out what the cost will be to make sure your new home has sewer and water (or a septic and well) available.
Get an Expert to Review Your Infill Lot - Then Enjoy Your New Home!
Work with a builder and/or agent with plenty of experience purchasing land and building on infill lots. There are some differences between infill lots and new neighborhoods, but there are advantages too! Knowing the right questions to ask and having a home that fits well can make all the difference.
Need help deciding on a lot or neighborhood?
Stanton Homes offers a free lot inspection to help you find the fit that works well for your budget - and provides a full cost analysis of site work, permits, fees, and sewer and water costs. Contact us today to find out more.
Chatham County New Homes - Communities, Lots, and Land
5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area
Other Available Land and Lots in Communities
Copyright 2009 by Stanton Homes. All information current as of posting date. Check city and county websites for updated information.
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Article copyright Stanton Homes 2010. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of above lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Very nice post, Penny! You've brought to light several issues with infill lots that most folks would never think to consider. Nice!
Randy - Even knowing the basic questions to ask can make a big difference...
Penny,
Very interesting. I am not sure that I understand why so many things have a green designation other than "Green is In".
Have a great day
Make This YOUR Best Year Ever
Hi Penny, great post. You may be interested in the ECO-All-Stars group, give them a try: http://activerain.com/groups/GREEN
I will reblog this as part of the February Spread the Link Love Challenge!
http://activerain.com/blogsview/918198/FEBRUARY-Spread-the-Link-Love-CHALLENGE
Hope you get lots of comments!
Penny~!
You are now the leader in the reBLOG February (it's so easy link-LOVE) Challenge over at the Eco-All-Stars Group...having two (2) reBlogs on your very interesting post! Thanks for the information!
Leander - Yes, there are a lot of things with a green designation. Some are accurate, some are not. But making choices that limit our use of limited natural resources, that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful chemicals released into the atmosphere and the ground, and that reduce our impact on the land will make this planet better for us and better for our children.
Sylvia and Janeanne, thanks very much!
Penny very interesting post, I teach green and had never heard of this - very well done!!!
Joanne - Glad you found the article helpful. Watch for more green information!
Thanks Penny , here in my part of Northeast Pennsylvania we are building on a lot of Infill Lots in Subdivisions created in the 60's or 70's as vacation home communities & have now become Multi-Generational Communities ( MGC's ) with a mix of 1st Time , Move-up , Active Adult & Vacation Homes . We currently have an inventory of 36 Infill Lots waiting for homes ! Thanks for all the information ! Keepin' it Green !
Hi Penny - great post! You have explained so well the benefits of infill lots and also the many reasons a good builder is an integral part of choosing an infill! I'm glad you shared the information!!!
Ed - Infill lots are certainly most common in well-developed cities, and can make great use of limited space.
Mary - glad to help!