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Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog (Post 9461362)

If you build a house with a basement on a flat lot, ponder how you will keep the area surrounding the basement walls dry.

At the very least, you'll want to site the house on an elevation that gives you good, positive drainage away from the house in all directions. You'll also want to consider what type of soil you have.

JR

JR if we go forward with this lot there is a decent " rise " in the center of the property that would be where the home would go . Rain runoff will not be an issue. But good suggestion . The home we are currently living in is in the same red Georgia clay but having said that the previous owner did put in a pricey perimeter drain system . Main difference I see between our current home and the potential build site is grading, the rise in the land and we would go poured concrete walls vs. block walls . And at the very least good exterior foundation coating .

Some 10 years ago we considered building from scratch. Stick built is still cheaper, but for a really comfortable and energy efficient house look at a slab on grade with radiant heat/cooling, single story SIP'S construction plan. Depending on your expected lifespan in the house it could pay back, and would certainly be a very comfortable structure.
Some excellent ideas in Sarah Susanka's books. Sarah Susanka

Thought I would post an update . Yesterday I met with my realtor and a potential builder . Shared a home plan with the builder and we talked over things like basement , roof type , cabinets etc. so he could get a feel for what we want . We walked the " potential " 2.6 acre lot and we all agreed the " rise " on the property would be the best place to build a home in regards to rain runoff and shading by the large trees on the lot . We talked for over an hour so I believe he has a good baseline understanding of what we would want . Now just waiting to here his quote to see if this is doable .

Not restricting myself to just this builder but he comes highly recommended in regards to the quality of his work . I really need to hear his quote just to make sure we are in the ballpark price wise before I make my offer on the land . I'm too close to retirement to make a major accounting error :D Also want to make sure there is room in the budget for the detached garage/man cave . Basically would try to replicate what I have now so a 24 x 26 or 28 x 28 simple pole barn style that I would enclose and add HVAC to . A lift is a must so at the very least wiring and concrete floor pour would happen at the same time the basement is poured . I'm hoping to know more this week .