Along with manufacturing the most advanced composite building systems in the marketplace, Northstar Technologies is also a fully certified builder and general contractor in the state of Florida. With over 175 years of combined construction experience, we have seen every single scenario possible when it comes to building everything from a guest house to a commercial complex.

 

The below points are some of our pro tips when it comes to helping your clients perform all possible due diligence on lots for sale here in SWFL (and anywhere else). Spoiler alert, Northstar can perform all of these items for you and your clients. Just ask!

 

It's important to make sure that the land is zoned for the type of construction you are planning. Contact the local zoning department or county office to obtain the most up-to-date zoning regulations and setbacks for the area. This is critical when considering max allowable building footprints for a specific lot. Depending on where the land is located, setbacks will vary.

 

Make sure the land is free from any environmental hazards that could impact construction, such as wetlands, flood zones, or hazardous waste sites. Checking with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and local environmental agencies can help identify any potential concerns, including protected animals! Burrowing owls and scrub jays will have a say on when you can actually build on your land.

 

Getting a geotechnical engineer to conduct soil tests is crucial to ensure that the land is suitable for building upon. They will also identify the load-bearing capacity of the soil and advise on the foundation type required.

 

Ensure that the land has access to utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and gas. Checking with the local utility companies can help verify the availability and cost of connecting to their services. Otherwise, you should determine the cost and feasibility of bringing in septic systems, solar (or alternative) energy, and well-water systems.

 

Boundary, construction and topographical surveys are a must. The latter will tell you how much you need to build up in order to conform with base flood elevation relative to specific flood-zone elevation requirements. Surveys will also show you important easements for roadways, utilities and emergency services.

 

As always, you should always have your local title company and real estate attorney review the property's legal history. It's crucial to check for any liens, easements, or other legal encumbrances on the property. Having a title search conducted can help identify any potential issues.

 

If you have a specific piece of land you have questions on, send it our way and we will give you a complimentary assessment!

 

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Kyle McLaughlin is the chief sales officer for Northstar Technologies, which specializes in sustainable building systems through the use of advanced composites in both residential and commercial construction. Northstar homes are ultra energy efficient, mold and termite proof, and have an impact rating of 250 mph. Kyle is originally from Santiago, Chile, and has lived in Naples for the last 23 years.