Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

Building a custom home on your own land is not as simple as picking a floor plan and digging in. Whether you're working with raw acreage in Wayne County or a tucked-away lot in Ontario County, the first and most critical step in the process is the site evaluation. A proper site evaluation looks beneath the surface, literally and figuratively. It helps you and your builder understand the unique features (and limitations) of the land so that your home can be placed, designed, and built efficiently, within budget.

Gerber Homes has walked hundreds of properties across Upstate New York. We've seen everything from dream lots with hidden challenges to tricky terrain that became the perfect homesite with the right plan. We're honored to walk you through exactly what happens during a site evaluation and how it helps set the stage for a successful build.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Site Evaluation and Why Does It Matter?
• Who Performs the Site Evaluation?
• What Gerber Homes Looks for During a Site Walk
• How the Site Evaluation Affects Your Budget and Timeline
• What Happens If the Site Isn’t Ideal?
• When Should You Schedule a Site Evaluation?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building on Your Own Land
• Ready to Build on Land in Upstate NY? Start with a Site Evaluation

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Having land in Upstate New York is a dream for many, especially in picturesque areas like Canandaigua, Rush, or Macedon. But how do you make the most of that piece of paradise once you have it? Many landowners ponder, "I want to build a house on my land; where do I start?" If that's you, here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the exciting journey of turning your raw land into a beautiful custom home.

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Your beautiful new custom home is only part of the equation. Where will it sit, and what will surround it? If you're considering constructing a home in the beautiful Greater Rochester area, you've already made a great choice. The right site lays the foundation for your dream home, influencing everything from the design to how you enjoy your space. Gerber is here to guide you through this important decision so that you make the best choice for your future home.

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If you’re looking for a scenic view, you’ll find plenty of places that meet your requirements in the Rochester area. Thanks to the abundance of lakes, forests, and undeveloped land in the region, it’s fairly easy to find a building lot that overlooks a lake or pond or backs up to the woods. Although the land may look ideal at first glance, you won’t be able to build on it unless the lot can pass a perc test.

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When you’re considering building a new custom home, where you choose to build is just as important as the design and construction of the home. For homeowners looking to build in the Finger Lakes region of New York, the town of Victor has lots to offer. Here’s a brief look at some of the features that make living in Victor, NY so appealing.

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