With the rising costs of city living, more and more people are making the switch to an acreage lifestyle. However, this change in lifestyle does not come without its own set of unique challenges. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at a few considerations that are often taken for granted when building or living on a city lot.
Utilities
Utilities like power, gas, water, waste disposal, and high-speed internet are not normally included in the cost of the acreage so these essentials definitely need to be taken into consideration along with the actual availability of such services in the area. Let’s take a look at the above-mentioned utilities in a bit more detail.
Power
When building on an acreage one of the first things you should take into consideration is the availability of power. Is the plot already supplied with power or does it need to be connected to the main line? How far is it to the main line? In most cases, you will be responsible for the costs involved in connecting your home to the main line. This will usually involve the purchase and installation of a transformer, another cost you will need to bear in mind.
Gas
Chances are the subdivision will already have access to natural gas but like with power, you will be responsible for the costs involved in connecting your acreage home to the mainline. Similar to power, the costs will vary depending on the distance between your acreage plot and the main line. If the subdivision is not serviced with natural gas it could costs tens of thousands of dollars to get connected, in which case you may want to consider an alternate area to build your acreage.
Water
Water is an essential utility in any home. Before building on an acreage, check for possible water sources. Is there a possibility to connect to the city water supply? If so, this would be the most reliable source of clean water, albeit a more costly option. Other options could include wells or cisterns; but one major drawback to these approaches is that there’s no guarantee of quality or a constant supply of water. Bear in mind that should you decide to with a well or cistern, you would also need to consider the costs of a reverse osmosis system if necessary. Whatever route you choose to take; remember that you will need to invest in a water pressure system to further ensure your acreage home has a consistent water supply.
Waste Disposal
Sewer and septic options depend heavily on government regulations and other factors like the size of the acreage and the proximity of any neighbors, creek or waterways. When deciding on the best waste disposal solutions, its best to consult with an experienced contractor as they’ll be able to advise you on the best system for your acreage.
High-Speed Internet
Nowadays, high-speed internet is considered a basic necessity in most homes however some rural subdivisions may not have access to these services. For areas where high-speed internet is not readily available, there may be alternatives solutions such as wireless internet. Such systems normally require some specialized equipment, which is an additional cost to take into consideration. It’s worth looking into any available services and their costs available when building your acreage home.
Building on an acreage usually comes with additional processes and considerations when compared to a traditional urban or suburban home. Eric’s Homes is one of Calgary’s most renowned custom home builders, specializing in acreage homes. Contact us today to find out how we can help you plan and build your dream home.
