I've been noticing a lot of homes recently that were not constructed to make maximum advantage of the lot where they were constructed. The resale value is hurt by this. These said homes are most likely in tract subdivisions. One of the most egregious examples is a property I previewed lately to be found on a cul-de-sac lot neighboring to dedicated greenbelt space. To the left of the property, and directly out the cul-de-sac as you drive into the street is natural ranchland scattered with stunning full-grown oak trees, native vegetation, and a wet weather creek. This is dedicated space that will never be urbanized. One of those kind of sceneries one can observe in pictures, the panorama of wholesome Texas Hill Country that you imagine appreciating them while sitting on a rocking chair at the back of the veranda or on a swing. It is way better than looking at a neighbor's house. The person who made the house really did blow it.



Much to my amazement, the stunning wholesome setting surrounding the floorplan of the house presents no acknowledgement of the panorama. Had I constructed on this lot, I would have chosen a floorplan that allowed the living room and/or kitchen windows to point out onto the open space, and I would have added a large roofed patio from which the native Texas landscape could be enjoyed. The property was poorly constructed with a tiny patio of 5x8 foot concrete slab and didn't even have any roofed patio at the back. Upstairs, the master bedroom is on the other side of the house from the open space and offers no view.

If nothing else, the similar floorplan could have been turned to the other side, had a small number of windows moved or added to the proper places, and the breakfast area and kitchen would have had a sight and the master bedroom would have looked out over the native Texas panorama.

So why in the world would someone build a house on this lot that doesn't make full advantage of this wonderful and serene sight? I think when purchasing new homes, people choose a floorplan first, then pick the lot on which to build the home (or vice-versa), but they don't frequently stop and ask themselves whether that home is a fine match for that certain lot. I've also witnessed builder spec homes with floorplans with the similar lack of thinking of which floorplan will best fit to make advantage of the compass reading and/or sceneries of the lot.

On the other hand, negative characteristics of a lot can be mitigated by thinking better. An example, would you build a home with the windows of the master bedroom in front of the house at the 'T' end of the street? No, due to the headlights from cars at night will shine into your bedroom windows. You will surely notice this from you first night after moving in if you don't consider of such things ahead of time.

Concentrate on how well both the house and the lot flatter each other if you're ready to buy or build a new home. Those homes that disregard this relationship are the homes you should stay away from. Focus on how the streets are associated and whether there may be possible light intrusion into your home from night time road traffic. Notice the compass reading of the home and whether likely sunlight will flatter or torment your living space.

Because of these types of concerns I eliminate lots of candidate properties off the list when previewing homes for purchaser prospects. Many of these homes will seem ideal on paper and in Internet pictures, but they don't endure the first visit because it makes more than a fine floorplan to make a fine house. The lot has to have the proper floorplan.