One of the numerous benefits of building a luxury home from the ground up is the ability to choose where in Scottsdale it will be located. You can ensure that the surrounding community fits your lifestyle as well as your custom house does.
However, that also adds one more responsibility to your list: to find and purchase a land that fits your vision for your home as well as your lifestyle goals. Unless you practice due diligence in researching properties in Scottsdale, you run the risk of making an expensive purchase only to find out it will cost thousands more in site preparation, utility hookups, modifying the natural topography, or other necessary jobs to make your new build feasible.
To help you avoid this potential mistake, one solution is working with a reputable luxury home builder like Calvis Wyant, who is familiar with land for sale in the Scottsdale market and can assist in evaluating properties based on their suitability for your particular project.
Things to Consider in Buying a Lot For Luxury Homes
If you already have a clear vision of the size and shape of your dream home, as well as what outdoor features you want, then it’s even more important to find the right piece of property.
Here are important things to consider when buying land for building luxury homes in Scottsdale:
1. Location and Lifestyle Impact
When buying a lot for your luxury home in Scottsdale, location is paramount. Scottsdale offers a variety of communities, each with its unique appeal. Whether you’re drawn to the luxury and security of a gated community, or prefer the openness and charm of an open neighborhood, your choice of location will significantly impact your lifestyle and the long-term value of your investment.
Gated Communities for Luxury Living
Many buyers seek out prestigious gated communities like such as Desert Mountain, DC Ranch, Mirabel, and Silverleaf. These areas offer an array of amenities such as golf courses, country clubs, spas, and fine dining.
The allure of a gated community also extends to enhanced security, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners, especially if the property is a second or seasonal residence. Gated communities provide an exclusive atmosphere, which is perfect for those seeking privacy and luxury.
Open Neighborhoods: The Urban Advantage
If you prefer to be closer to the urban core or desire access to Scottsdale’s bustling downtown, open neighborhoods offer proximity to shopping, dining, entertainment, and public services. Open neighborhoods may provide more freedom in terms of land use, and they can be ideal for individuals who value convenience and accessibility.
For those who value convenience and efficiency, private jet charter can offer seamless travel to and from Scottsdale, ensuring a luxurious experience even before you arrive at your new home.
2. Character of the Community
Each community in Scottsdale has its own atmosphere and rules. Whether it’s a gated enclave or an open neighborhood, you’ll want to ensure that the character of the area aligns with your vision. For example, some may prefer the more uniform aesthetic of a planned, gated community, while others may value a more organic, eclectic feel in open neighborhoods.
Additionally, check if there are any restrictions, such as zoning regulations or homeowners’ association (HOA) rules, that might limit the design or construction of your home.
3. Site conditions
Before you purchase a land for building a luxury home, you need to understand the physical characteristics of the lot. Is the terrain suitable for the type of home you envision? Factors such as topography, soil stability, and access to water sources can impact construction costs.
If you’re building a custom home, site preparation can be a costly and time-consuming process. A lot with uneven terrain, poor soil quality, or limited accessibility could add significant costs to the project. For example, you might need to invest in foundation stabilization, grading, or road access.
There are hundreds of decisions to make when it comes to the process of buying land and building a luxury home. The numerous decisions can be overwhelming unless you hire a team with systems to help you figure out what’s most important without overlooking the smallest details.
4. Utilities and services
Make sure the land has access to the necessary utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and sewage. Some areas may require you to install these services, which can be expensive and time-consuming. This is especially true for lots that are further away from urban centers or in more remote parts of Scottsdale.
When assessing utilities, it’s important to check for the availability of internet and cable services as well, as remote lots may not be as easily connected to these amenities.
5. Zoning and governing authorities
When building luxury homes, you have to abide by the rules and regulations of the city’s Planning and Development Services department and the local HOA. Zoning laws govern how the land can be used, what types of structures can be built, and the required setbacks from property lines. The plans for your new home will be submitted to the city for permitting purposes and also reviewed by the HOA.
In addition, HOA rules in gated communities may place restrictions on the style and design of your home. These rules are often aimed at maintaining a cohesive look and feel across the neighborhood, which can be appealing to many buyers. However, it’s crucial to understand these limitations before making a decision.
6. Titles and surveys
Before finalizing the purchase of a lot, it’s essential to review the title report. Ensure there are no existing liens, encumbrances, or legal issues tied to the property. You should also conduct a topographical survey to confirm the boundaries and characteristics of the land. This will help you identify any potential challenges, such as easements or flooding risks, that might affect your plans.
Working with real estate professionals and builders who are experienced in Scottsdale land can be invaluable in avoiding these pitfalls and ensuring the land is ready for construction.
How a Luxury Home Builder Can Help You Find the Right Lot
While it might be tempting to tackle the land-buying process on your own, Finding a luxury home builder who can double as your real estate agent (if you don’t have one already) to help you acquire the right site for your new custom home is a practical decision.
A builder who understands your vision and lifestyle can point you toward properties that fit the bill. Builders also understand the building difficulties and potential costs of developing a particular site that may not be apparent to a non-builder real estate agent.
Partnering with a renowned local home builder like Calvis Wyant can significantly streamline the search for the perfect lot. Our team knows the local market and has a keen eye for buying land that will work well for your project.
We can help identify potential pitfalls in certain lots that might be difficult for a non-builder to spot, such as structural or environmental issues. We can also offer valuable insights on land prices and construction challenges, helping you make an informed purchase.
Vetting Luxury Home Builders In Arizona
Putting together an initial list of custom home builders that could potentially take on your project isn’t hard. Any online search will yield dozens of results for contractors in the Scottsdale area.
The important issue is knowing what to look for in terms of a company’s unique approach, processes, and qualifications. What fundamental attributes should your custom home builder possess? Here are a few key characteristics that can help you identify the best luxury builder for your project:
1. They Understand the Local Market.
A top-tier builder has in-depth knowledge of the Scottsdale market and can help you make decisions that will add long-term value to your home. They’ll consider what buyers in the area are looking for, ensuring your home is both functional and easy to sell in the future.
2. They prioritize long-term value over initial cost-cutting.
The best luxury home builders for you focus on high-quality, durable materials that will save you money in maintenance over time. Opting for durable finishes, even if more expensive upfront, ensures your home will last longer and retain its value.
3. They are In the Business of finding land.
An experienced builder can help you find the perfect plot of land for your custom home. They understand the potential challenges of different sites and can point out hidden costs that a real estate agent may miss. This can be especially helpful if you’re building your new Arizona home from out of state or out of the country.
4. They can help you refine your vision and identify your priorities.
A skilled builder will work with you to clarify your vision and prioritize what’s most important, from overall design to specific features like a customized new garage door. Their expertise will ensure that every decision aligns with your long-term goals and lifestyle.
5. They artfully manage the pre-construction process.
Before you break ground on a custom home, there is a copious amount of work that needs to take place. It’s critical to find a luxury builder who is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and organized. With their knowledge of the industry and local environment, they can keep you from making unintended mistakes and even point you toward viable alternatives that capture the goals of your original ideas but may be more cost-effective or practical.
6. They help you maintain your home
A great builder doesn’t disappear once the home is finished. They’ll help coordinate maintenance and repairs and ensure that all work meets the highest standards. Some, like Calvis Wyant, offer maintenance programs to keep your home in top condition long after construction is complete.
7. They are picky about who they hire.
The best luxury builders are meticulous about who they hire. They only work with reputable subcontractors and tradespeople, ensuring that your home is built to the highest standards and will stand the test of time.
Calvis Wyant’s Touch Point home maintenance program can take care of the maintenance and upkeep for as long as you own your Calvis Wyant home. You can enjoy your new home worry-free and leave changing the furnace filters and mowing the grass to us.
Ready to begin your dream home project in Scottsdale?
Calvis Wyant can help you find the perfect lot! Our expertise ensures you choose a site that aligns with your vision, lifestyle, and long-term investment goals.
Contact us today to get started!
For more inspiration, check out our Gallery of Homes or explore our Luxury Homes for Sale in Arizona.
