Why Richmond's Savviest Homeowners Are Building on Their Own Land (Part 2)
This is the second installment in our two-part series about building on your own land. If you missed Part 1, which covers the benefits and initial planning considerations, click here to read it first.
Richmond's most strategic homeowners don't just know why building on their own land is advantageous—they understand how to navigate the process successfully with the right partner. Part 1 of our series explored the compelling benefits of the Build on Your Own Lot (BYOL) approach and the critical initial planning stages. Now, we'll reveal how these savvy homeowners overcome common challenges and why they choose Keel Custom Homes to transform their vision into reality, even when starting with raw, undeveloped land.
Infrastructure Development: Laying the Groundwork
Unlike developed communities where utilities are typically already in place, building on raw land often requires establishing these services from scratch.
We coordinate all necessary infrastructure development, which may include:
Septic system design and installation: For properties without access to municipal sewer systems
Well drilling: When city water isn't available
Utility extensions: Coordinating with service providers to bring electricity, gas, internet, and other utilities to your property
Driveway and access road construction: Creating suitable access for construction equipment and, eventually, your daily use
A satisfied Keel homeowner, Jordan appreciated our comprehensive approach: "Great group of professional, motivated, and dedicated individuals who ensured a smooth and efficient planning and build process!"
Keel's Robust Preconstruction System: The Foundation of Success
At Keel Custom Homes, we believe that exceptional homes begin with exceptional planning. That's why we've developed a comprehensive preconstruction system tailored for BYOL projects.
"A great home comes from upfront planning" is more than just a saying at Keel—it's our philosophy. Our preconstruction process includes:
Detailed budgeting: Accounting for both the predictable and unpredictable costs of land development
Timeline development: Creating realistic schedules that account for the unique challenges of your property
Contingency planning: Preparing for potential challenges before they arise
Design refinement: Working through multiple iterations to ensure the final plans perfectly match both your vision and your land's characteristics
Overcoming Common BYOL Challenges
Building on undeveloped land presents unique challenges that don't exist in planned communities. Our experienced team has encountered—and solved—virtually every issue that can arise.
Utility Connections
Connecting to municipal utilities can be straightforward or highly complex, depending on your property's location. In remote areas, alternative solutions may be necessary.
Our approach includes:
Early utility research: Determining what's available and what must be created
Alternative systems when needed: Designing high-quality septic, well, and power systems for properties without municipal connections
Long-term cost analysis: Helping you understand both immediate and ongoing costs for various utility options
Site Preparation Complexities
Undeveloped land often requires significant preparation before construction can begin.
We manage all aspects of site preparation, including:
Land clearing: Selective removal of vegetation while preserving valuable trees and natural features
Grading: Reshaping the land as needed for proper drainage and foundation support
Erosion control: Implementing systems to prevent soil loss during construction
Foundation preparation: Addressing challenging soil conditions or slopes that require unique foundation designs
Budget Management for the Unexpected
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners building on their own land is encountering unexpected costs. At Keel, we minimize surprises through thorough planning and transparent communication.
Our approach includes:
Comprehensive site investigation: Identifying potential issues before they become costly problems
Detailed contingency planning: Building appropriate buffers into your budget for the unknown
Regular communication: Keeping you informed about any developments that could affect your budget
Value engineering: Finding creative solutions to achieve your goals while respecting your financial boundaries
The Keel Team: Your Partners Throughout the Journey
Keel Custom Homes brings decades of combined experience in production and custom home building to your project. This expertise is particularly valuable for BYOL projects requiring technical knowledge and creative problem-solving.
Custom home building is a collaborative process, and we've built our team to provide expert guidance at every stage. Our in-house interior designer, Bridget Fowler, helps translate your vision into reality.
Tyler, one of our clients, says: "Bridget was a huge help during our selection process in making good design choices and, in the end, led to a house design that perfectly matched what we were looking for from a design perspective."
Our commitment to transparent communication continues throughout your project. As Tyler further explains, "Once construction began, we had regular updates from our construction manager, Baker, who quickly answered my many questions and ensured the build kept moving steadily despite a couple of forces outside Keel's control trying to slow things down."
Is Building on Your Own Land Right for You?
While the BYOL approach offers tremendous benefits, it's essential to consider whether it aligns with your priorities and expectations:
Timeline flexibility: Building on undeveloped land typically takes longer than building in a planned community
Budget considerations: While potentially more cost-effective in the long run, BYOL projects often require a larger upfront investment
Decision-making comfort: The process involves many more choices than buying a production home
Location priorities: If specific school districts or proximity to amenities is your primary concern, check available land in those areas first
At Keel Custom Homes, we approach each project with our core values in mind:
Service First: Always do more than is expected
Committed to Excellence: Be a miracle worker
Always Do the Right Thing: Make the hard, right decisions
These values guide our work and ensure that you have a rewarding home-building experience from start to finish.
Taking the Next Step with Keel Custom Homes
If you own land or are considering purchasing a lot for your dream home, Keel Custom Homes is ready to help you explore the possibilities. Our process begins with a consultation to understand your vision and evaluate your land's potential.
"I am a very thorough person and decided to call/contact nearly every custom home builder in the greater Richmond area (in total over 20 builders)," says Tyler. "I eventually chose Keel Custom Homes due to the reasonable costs and cost transparency, the build quality, and the friendliness of the people at Keel Custom Homes."
Building on your land represents a unique opportunity to create a home that truly reflects who you are in your chosen location. While the process involves additional complexities compared to buying in a development, with the right partner, it can be an enriching journey.
Contact Keel Custom Homes today to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life on your land. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step, from initial land evaluation to the day you move into your custom home.