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 New Construction
Southeast
Wisconsin is an excellent place to build your dream home. There is a
variety of subdivisions from which to choose. Some are close to urban
centers and major highways; others are tucked into the countryside,
carefully designed to complement existing trees, streams and other natural
resources.
Buying
a Lot
Wisconsin
is unique in that homeowners have traditionally purchased their lots
and homes separately. "Spec" homes, which are designed and
built in planned subdivisions in anticipation of demand, account for
almost two-thirds of the new homes started nationally. In Wisconsin,
some home builders offer house and lot packages, but it is still likely
that you will deal with two different people when you build your home
-the subdivision developer and the home builder.
Lot prices
vary considerably between communities and subdivisions. A half-acre
lot in western Waukesha County or southern Ozaukee County can cost $60,000
to more than $200,000, while a similar lot in Washington County may
be priced between $45,000 and $75,000. While many of the lots being
sold are one-third acre or larger, some developers are experimenting
with smaller lots for people who place less importance on the size of
their yard. In Hartford, for instance, a 110-home subdivision is being
built with lot sizes that are 70 feet wide and 120 feet deep.
Legal
descriptions for lots are either "lot & block" or "metes &
bounds." Lot & block parcels are the most frequently used legal description,
especially in subdivisions. They state the actual lot dimensions and reference
a certified survey that is kept on file at the county courthouse. Metes &
bounds parcels are often used to describe isolated or scattered lots. If the seller
uses this type of legal description, you should have your property surveyed in
order to verify its actual boundaries.
Construction
Costs
Construction
costs depend on the materials used, the size of the home and the building
contractor. Milwaukee-area home builders often use a figure of $95-$100
per square foot to estimate construction costs for an average home.
A modest 1,800-square-foot ranch will typically start at slightly more
than $150,000, while a luxurious, 2,800-square-foot home can cost in
excess of $350,000. For additional information about new construction,
contact the Metropolitan Builders Association or check out their
website at mbaonline.org.
In addition
to providing you with a list of home builders, the association can provide,
for a slight charge, a book titled "The Guide to Custom Home
Building." The association sponsors a Home Builders' Expo every
January and coordinates the annual "Parade of Homes," which
generally features more than two dozen model homes.
Special
Considerations
There are
several issues you need to consider when choosing a lot. Due to the size of the
investment you’ll be making and the risks involved, you should seek legal assistance
and/or consult with the local building inspector before you buy. Some of the things
you should consider are:
n DEED
RESTRICTIONS -Ask the seller for a copy of the deed so you can
review any restrictions or "covenants." Some subdivisions
limit the building materials that can be used and may require a third
party to approve your home’s design. Once you have signed the deed,
you are legally obligated to adhere to its restrictions.
n DRAINAGE
- Any purchase offer should be contingent on the fact that the
parcel is not in a floodplain, and you should double check with the
city engineer or building inspector. In addition, find out how the
lot drains. The county surveyor’s office has topographical maps that
can help.
n SEWER/SEPTIC
- If you need a septic system, make sure the lot has a recent
- and acceptable - percolation and soil test. Clay is prevalent in
Wisconsin soils and can interfere with drainage. If you have poor
soil, you may have to install a special, mound-type septic system.
If you have metro or storm sewer service, find out how much the lateral
hookups will cost.
n GARBAGE
- Find out whether garbage collection is included in your property
taxes as a municipal service or if you will have to contract with
a private company.
n UTILITIES
- Check with gas, electric, telephone and cable television utilities
about availability and hookup costs.
n IMPACT
FEES - Some communities have implemented "impact fees"
that are assessed to new homes. These fees, which range from $500
to $15,000 or more, are typically used to offset the cost of expanding
schools and the community’s infrastructure to accommodate the new
developments. Check to see whether an impact fee has been imposed
or is being considered in the community where you plan to build.
Landscaping
Like
interior design, landscaping is primarily a matter of personal preference. However,
because plants and trees have such a wide range of growth characteristics, homeowners
should consult with landscape professionals to ensure their selections will be
appropriate.
Landscape designers
can alert homeowners to common pitfalls and can select shrubs and trees that will
be especially suited to the drainage, lighting conditions and soil at your site.
By grouping plants according to their growth rates and preferred settings, designers
ensure that the landscaping is as attractive on day one as it is when it fully
matures.
For new construction,
landscape designers recommend setting aside 10 percent to 15 percent
of the home construction cost. For a $250,000 home, that would amount
to between $25,000 and $37,500. Many homeowners include landscaping
costs in their mortgages to ensure they have enough money to landscape
properly and so that they can amortize their investment over its useful
life.
Due to the
Milwaukee area’s cold winters and hot summers, homeowners should take
care in selecting plants. Metropolitan Milwaukee is located in Zone
5 of the National Weather Service’s "growing map," which means
winter temperatures seldom get below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In
addition, Lake Michigan provides a moderating effect, causing cooler
summer temperatures and warmer winter temperatures in communities near
the lake.
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