When it comes to building your dream home, choosing the right lot is just as important as choosing the right floor plan. After all, the land you build on dictates everything—from the size and style of your home to how much natural light you’ll enjoy and even your long-term property value. For anyone working with custom home builders in Chicago or beyond, selecting the perfect lot is the crucial first step in making your vision a reality.
But how do you know which lot is right for you? Let’s walk through the essential considerations when buying a lot of land for your new home, from Chicago city lot sizes to lakefront properties and sloped lots.
Why Your Lot Choice Matters
A custom home is designed to fit your lifestyle—but the design can only be as good as the land it sits on. A thoughtful lot selection ensures:
- Your home plans for lake lots or home plans for sloped lots will function seamlessly.
- You avoid costly excavation, drainage, or zoning issues.
- Your investment maintains value and resale appeal.
- The home’s design matches the scale and layout of the property.
This is why many homeowners partner with Chicago area custom home builders early in the process, so they can provide guidance before the land is even purchased.
Step 1: Determine Your Priorities
Before you start scrolling through listings, take a step back and ask: What do I want from my future home?
- Do you envision a spacious yard for entertaining?
- Is walkability to restaurants, shops, or schools important?
- Would you prefer a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, a lakeside retreat, or an urban Chicago neighborhood?
- Are you open to a corner lot, or do you want something more private?
Knowing your lifestyle priorities will help narrow down options and make sure you don’t end up with a property that doesn’t fit your vision.
Step 2: Understand Chicago Lot Sizes
If you’re building in the city, you’ll need to understand how Chicago lot size impacts your home’s footprint.
- In its urban core, the standard Chicago lot size is 25 feet wide by 125 feet deep. This is the most common size across the city and offers enough space for a two- to three-story home with a backyard.
- Larger lots—such as 30-foot or 50-foot-wide lots—are available in certain neighborhoods but often come with a higher price tag.
- As you go farther from Chicago’s downtown area, you can purchase larger lots with plenty of acreage.
- Smaller or irregular lots may require creative design solutions, which a seasoned custom home builder in Chicago can provide.
In the suburbs or surrounding areas, lot sizes vary widely, giving you more flexibility with home size, garage placement, and outdoor space.
Step 3: Evaluate Location and Neighborhood
Real estate may be about “location, location, location,” but for a custom home, the neighborhood sets the tone for your daily life. Some factors to consider:
- School districts – Even if you don’t have kids, homes in strong districts hold value better.
- Commute time – Is the lot accessible to work, transit, or highways?
- Amenities – Think about proximity to grocery stores, gyms, parks, or the lakefront.
- Future development – Check city plans to make sure your quiet block isn’t about to become a high-traffic corridor.
Step 4: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Corner Lots
One common question is: Should you buy a corner lot?
Pros:
- More natural light due to windows on multiple sides.
- Extra street frontage, which can boost curb appeal.
- Potential for larger yard space.
Cons:
- Less privacy with two street-facing sides.
- Higher exposure to noise and traffic.
- Snow removal and landscaping can require more work.
Ultimately, whether a corner lot is right for you depends on your lifestyle. A family that loves natural light may see it as a huge benefit, while someone who values privacy may prefer an interior lot.
Step 5: Match Your Lot to Your Home Plans
Not all lots are created equal—and not all floor plans will work on every piece of land. That’s why it’s critical to choose a lot that fits your design goals.
- Lake Lots – Waterfront properties require specialized planning for views, privacy, and flood prevention. Home plans for lake lots often feature expansive windows, walkout basements, and outdoor living spaces.
- Sloped Lots – A hill or slope can be a design challenge, but also an opportunity. Home plans for sloped lots may include daylight basements, multi-level decks, or tiered landscaping.
- Narrow City Lots – In Chicago, many lots are only 25 feet wide. Builders often design tall, narrow homes that maximize vertical space while keeping interiors open and bright.
Working with experienced Chicago area custom home builders ensures your house design adapts to the lot’s features rather than fighting against them.
Step 6: Investigate Utilities and Zoning
Before buying a lot of land, always check:
- Zoning restrictions – Does the city allow residential construction? Are there height or setback limits?
- Utility access – Is the lot already connected to water, sewer, gas, and electricity, or will you need to pay for hookups?
- Easements – Are there restrictions on where you can build due to utility lines or city right-of-ways?
Skipping this step can lead to delays, unexpected costs, or the inability to build the home you want.
Step 7: Think About Long-Term Value
The perfect lot isn’t just about today—it’s about your lifestyle and finances years from now. When considering how to buy a lot of land, ask:
- Will the lot appreciate in value?
- Is the neighborhood growing, stable, or declining?
- Could resale be affected by factors like a busy street, irregular shape, or unusual zoning?
A reputable contractor would never build without planning ahead, and the same goes for homeowners—investing in the right lot means investing in your future.
How to Buy a Lot of Land: The Process
Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
- Get Pre-Approved – Even if you’re paying cash, knowing your budget is essential.
- Hire a Realtor or Builder – Realtors understand the market, while custom home builders in Chicago can assess the land’s buildability.
- Walk the Lot – Pictures don’t reveal slopes, drainage, or neighborhood vibe.
- Do a Survey – Understand boundaries, easements, and property lines.
- Check Soil and Drainage – Especially critical for lakefront or sloped lots.
- Make an Offer – Once everything checks out, secure your dream property.
Partnering with Custom Home Builders in Chicago
Choosing the perfect lot doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By working with Chicago area custom home builders early in the process, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your home is designed to fit the land perfectly. Builders know how to navigate Chicago city lot sizes, zoning laws, and neighborhood trends, making them invaluable partners from day one.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re considering a quiet suburban retreat, a modern home in the city, or a lakeside property, the right lot ensures your investment stands the test of time. Work closely with experienced custom home builders like Moller Builders to match your vision with the perfect property—and you’ll be one step closer to living in the home you’ve always imagined.Contact us today for more information on selecting lots and custom home building plans.
