10 Things to consider before building an acreage home outside of Edmonton
There’s nothing quite like waking up on your own plot of land to surrounding nature, peace and quiet.
Whether you’re looking to escape city life for a bit more privacy, seeking more space for hobbies or animals, or simply wanting to connect with rural living while enjoying a unique kind of luxury, an acreage can be the perfect way to create your ideal lifestyle.
In the Edmonton area, there are even several ideal areas to build a custom acreage, such as Strathcona County, Leduc County, Sturgeon County and Parkland County.
As amazing as it can be to live on your own piece of land in your dream home, it takes a large amount of effort and important considerations — not only before and during construction, but also when you actually live on the property.
Here are the 10 things you should know and consider before building your custom acreage home in the Edmonton area.
1. Waste removal and septic system
It’s not the most pleasant thing to think about, but it’s very important! On an acreage, you won’t be attached to the main sewer lines and will need to think about septic systems and sewage removal services.
During construction, you’ll have to ensure you have a proper sewage system and lines in place. Some of the most common sewage options for rural areas include holding tanks, tanks and fields, tanks and mounds, and open discharge.
2. Water delivery
Your new acreage may be outside of regular municipal lines for water delivery, so you will need to determine how you will access water on your property. Wells and cisterns are the two main options if you don’t have access to a water hookup.
A well must be drilled 3.25 metres away from any building, but you won’t know what the production amount will be from that well until it is drilled and completed.
If you can’t drill a well, a cistern is another option; this is a large containment tank that holds water which is delivered by a truck for a fee. A cistern can also be used in combination with a well.
3. Water table
A water table is a body of unconfined groundwater, and depending on its height, it can have adverse effects on your sewage disposal system, the ability to build a basement, as well as your water supply.
Do some research on the area, and hire a consultant to drill a test if you’re still not sure.
4. Electricity
Your new acreage may also be far away from existing power lines, and it may need new service connections in order to have electricity. Whether you’re using traditional above/below ground services or using solar power, building a custom acreage is also a great opportunity to make sure your home is using energy efficiently.
5. Garbage collection
Your custom acreage may also be outside the municipal garbage collection area, and will need to figure out how to have waste removed from your property.
Overall, utilities are one of the biggest considerations when it comes to building an acreage in a rural area since you as the landowner will need to bring in or handle these services yourself.
6. Bus routes and road access
If you have children, you’ll want to know if there are bus routes available in the area for them to get to school.
Additionally, it’s important to note whether there is a year-round, municipally maintained road leading to and from your property, or if you will have to turn a trail into a road and maintain it yourself. This may require investing in snow removal equipment.
7. Proximity to neighbours
You may want to be closer to your neighbours for social reasons, or you may want to be further away from people for ultimate privacy. When scoping out a property for your custom acreage, note the nearby plots of land and determine just how close you want to be to your neighbours, present or future.
8. Internet and cellular service
When scoping out potential properties for your custom acreage, it’s important to note available cell signal strength and internet coverage at each property, and which providers service the area. Unless you want to live off-grid, of course!
9. Proximity to town
How far are you willing to drive to access amenities and services? This is a major consideration when building an acreage out of town. Standard grocery trips and errand runs will take longer than within a city, and you will be further away from emergency services.
10. Property taxes
Don’t let property taxes be a surprise AFTER you’ve finished building your acreage! Work with a realtor or ask others already living in the area what their property taxes are like. Note that an empty plot of land will have lower property taxes than once you start building on it.
Building a custom acreage home can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but it does come with more things to consider and be aware of than building a home within city limits. Having a good understanding of what goes into not only building an acreage home, but what it’s like to live in one once construction is complete, will help make the process with your homebuilder smoother.
When building a custom acreage home, you want to work with a builder you can trust. Timberstone Builders has over 15 years of experience building award-winning custom dream homes in Edmonton and its surrounding areas.