Building your dream home starts with finding the right piece of land. But buying land is very different from buying an existing home, and there are some important steps you’ll want to take to protect yourself and your investment before you sign on the dotted line.

After more than 30 years helping clients navigate real estate in Waukesha County — including land purchases and new construction — here are seven things you need to know before buying land.

Location Still Matters — Maybe More Than Ever

When you’re looking at vacant land, it’s easy to fall in love with the view and the peace and quiet. But think about what the area could look like in a few years. Future developments, road projects, or commercial construction nearby could change the character of your property significantly. Do your homework on what’s planned for the surrounding area before you commit.

Understand Zoning and Land Use

Not all land is buildable the way you might expect. Before you buy, check with the local municipality to make sure the land is zoned for what you have in mind — both the type of use and the type of home you want to build. Zoning restrictions can affect everything from the size of your house to whether you can add an outbuilding or a pool down the road.

Check on Utilities

One of the first questions to ask about any piece of land is what utilities are available. Is there access to electricity and natural gas? Is sewer and water available, or will you need to install a well and septic system? A well and septic can add significant cost to your project, so it’s important to know what you’re working with upfront.

Soil Testing and Land Conditions

If you’ll need a septic system, a perc test is essential — it tells you whether the soil can support a septic system and what type you’ll need. Beyond that, you’ll want to look into drainage patterns, wetland areas, and flood risks. These factors can affect where and how you build, and they can impact your costs significantly.

Make Sure You Have Legal Access

This is one that catches people off guard. You need to confirm that there’s legal access to the property and that it isn’t landlocked. Check whether the driveway location is already set, whether a culvert is in place, and what the road frontage situation looks like. Access issues can become expensive problems if they’re not identified early.

Read the Subdivision Documents Carefully

If the lot is part of a subdivision, don’t skip the fine print. There may be requirements about the type of mailbox or lamp post you need to install, deadlines for when your driveway and landscaping have to be completed, and rules about outbuildings or swimming pools. These details can affect both your timeline and your budget, so review them thoroughly before you buy.

Budget for the Extras

The purchase price of the land is just the beginning. Site preparation — especially if there are trees that need to come down — permits, utility hookups, and construction costs can add up quickly. Having a realistic budget that accounts for all of these extras will help you avoid surprises and keep your dream home project on track.

Ready to Build Your Dream Home in Waukesha County?

Buying land and building a home is an exciting process, but it takes the right guidance to get it right. Sue and Travis Derby have experience with land purchases and new construction throughout Waukesha County, including Waukesha, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Delafield, and beyond.

Thinking about buying land or building a home? Contact Derby Realtors at DerbyRealtors.com — we’ll help you navigate every step from vacant lot to dream home.