Detail-Oriented

Name: Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction
Address: 860 State Road, Princeton, NJ, 08540, US
Telephone: (609) 921-2822

Your guide to Design-Build

Choosing Land for Your New Home: A Design-Build Perspective

by Marc Brahaney, September 15th 2025

Building a new home is an exciting journey—but it all starts with the land beneath your feet. The right property can make or break your new construction project. As a design-build firm, we work with clients from day one, and we’ve seen firsthand how smart land selection sets the foundation—literally and figuratively—for a successful build.

If you’re beginning your search for the perfect homesite, here are key factors to keep in mind:

1. Location Isn’t Just About the View

Yes, a beautiful view or peaceful surroundings are important—but so are proximity, access, and community. Neighborhoods in or near Princeton score pretty high on these points, but to be thorough, think about your daily life:

How far is your commute?
Are schools, grocery stores, or medical services nearby?
What’s the traffic flow in and out of the area?

You’ll also want to investigate local zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and future development plans. A dream site today can feel very different if a shopping center or highway expansion is planned nearby.

2. Understand the Topography and Soil

The shape of a lot, slope of the land, and environmental constraints (for example, wetlands and stream corridors) all affect feasibility, design and cost. A sloped lot, for example, may require extensive grading, retaining walls, or a custom foundation—none of which are budget-friendly surprises.

Before you purchase, we recommend:

A topographical survey to assess elevation and drainage.
A soil test (especially in rural areas) to evaluate stability and suitability for a foundation or septic system.

These technical assessments might not feel exciting, but they’re crucial in avoiding expensive issues down the road.

The shape of a lot, slope of the land, and environmental constraints (for example, wetlands and stream corridors) all affect feasibility, design and cost.

3. Utilities and Infrastructure: What’s On-Site (and What’s Not)?

Does the lot have access to electricity, water, gas, sewer, and high-speed internet? In and around a town like Princeton, you’re likely to find these services. However, in parts of Hopewell or Pennington, you can find land without the option of municipal sewer. Some lots may offer electricity but not gas for the new oven you want to buy. If certain services aren’t available, you’ll need to factor in the cost of extending utilities, which can be substantial, especially for rural or undeveloped land.

We always help our clients weigh these infrastructure realities before purchasing. In some cases, a site that looks affordable can become more expensive than expected once utility work is added.

4. Consider Orientation and Sunlight

The way your home is oriented on the site affects not just views, but energy efficiency, comfort, and even the health of your landscaping.

Ask yourself:

Where does the sun rise and set?
Can you maximize natural light in your most-used spaces?
Are there opportunities for passive solar heating or natural cooling?

These subtle considerations have a big impact on how your home will feel once it’s built.

5. Think Ahead: Design Potential and Flexibility

Some lots are easier to build on than others. Odd shapes, tight setbacks, or natural features can restrict design flexibility. Others offer wide-open possibilities for your custom layout, outdoor living areas, pools, or accessory buildings.

That’s where a design-build team adds real value: we can walk the property with you before you buy and offer expert insight into how your vision can be brought to life on that specific site.

6. Budget Beyond the Land Itself

When setting your budget, remember that land is just one piece of the puzzle. Depending on what the property needs, prep, permits, septic systems, well drilling, etc., your total land-related costs can grow quickly. A property priced below market value might still become a premium site once everything is factored in.

7. Involve Your Design-Build Team Early

Too often, we see clients purchase land on impulse, only to realize later that it complicates or limits their build. Our best recommendation: bring your design-build team into the process as early as possible. We can help you evaluate the potential of a lot, estimate related costs, and design a home that truly fits the land—and your life.

Ready to find the perfect spot to build your dream home? We’re here to help every step of the way.