What to Know Before Buying Land to Build a Custom Home

What You Should Know About Buying Land to Build a Custom Home in the Chicago Suburbs

You’ve probably heard stories about people buying land to build their dream home only to discover a major issue that makes the property unusable. Stories like these can make anyone nervous about purchasing land, but it’s not all bad news.

At Overstreet Builders, our team has more than 60 years of experience helping families in the Chicago suburbs find the perfect lot and build their custom dream home. If you’re thinking about buying land to build a home in Naperville, Oswego, Yorkville, or anywhere across the suburbs, here’s what you should know before you buy.

Look for Hidden Gems
Tired of scrolling through endless listings and feeling like you’ll never find the right lot? Sometimes, the best land opportunities in the Chicago suburbs aren’t listed online. That’s why it’s important to look for hidden gems.

Hidden gems are neighborhoods that might not yet be in high demand but have strong potential for future growth and often offer more affordable land prices. Researching local development plans, new commercial projects, and school district expansions can help you identify areas that will appreciate in value.

A smaller or less-developed suburb today could be thriving in just a few years.

You can also find land through word of mouth. Ask your network of friends, family, or coworkers if they know of any off-market properties or lots for sale. A local realtor or custom home builder like Overstreet Builders can also connect you with available lots, private sellers, and exclusive listings that may not be publicly advertised.

Consider the Landscape
When you imagine your dream home, do you picture a wide-open lot, a wooded property, or a lakeside setting? Each landscape type in the Chicago area comes with its own opportunities and challenges.

Before you buy, consider how the land’s topography and condition could affect construction costs and design options. Ask yourself:

Does the property have a steep slope that will require additional engineering?

Are there large trees or rocks that will need to be removed?

How easily can you access utilities like water, electricity, and gas?

Environmental and site conditions such as soil type, drainage patterns, and erosion can all influence buildability. If the lot has natural features like ponds or mature trees, they can add character and long-term value. However, make sure your builder confirms that the design and budget align with the land’s characteristics before you commit.

Look for Hidden Costs
When you buy land to build a home in the Chicago suburbs, it’s important to budget for potential hidden costs.

One of the biggest expenses can be utility access. If your lot is not connected to public water, sewer, gas, or electricity, you may need to pay to extend those lines. In some cases, especially in rural or unincorporated areas, you may need a well or septic system, which adds installation and maintenance costs.

Other potential land preparation expenses include:

• Clearing trees or brush
• Bringing in fill dirt
• Leveling uneven terrain
• Adding driveways or stormwater drainage

Before you sign a purchase agreement, ask your builder about potential site work and utility costs so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises later.

Understand Zoning Laws and Building Codes
Before you finalize a land purchase, take time to understand local zoning laws and building codes.

Zoning determines how a property can be used, what can be built, and where it can be placed on the lot. These rules vary widely between towns and counties in the Chicago area. For example, Naperville, Aurora, and Hinsdale all have different setback requirements, height limits, and minimum lot sizes.

You don’t want to fall in love with a piece of land only to find out you can’t build your dream home on it. Check the zoning regulations through the city or county’s planning department, and work with a builder experienced in suburban zoning and permitting.

An expert builder can review the lot before you buy it and help confirm that your preferred home design and layout will comply with local rules.

Work with an Experienced Builder
Building a custom home is an exciting experience, but it can also be complex and time-consuming without the right partner. Working with an experienced custom home builder simplifies the process and protects your investment from costly mistakes.

A professional builder will guide you through every stage, from evaluating land and designing your floor plan to managing construction and final inspection.

At Overstreet Builders, our Build on Your Lot program is designed specifically for homeowners who already have land or are searching for the right lot to build on. We help evaluate potential properties, review zoning and site conditions, and customize every detail of your new home to fit your lifestyle.

Our decades of experience across the Chicago suburbs mean we know the ins and outs of local building regulations, lot preparation, and design trends that add long-term value.

Start Your Custom Home Journey with Overstreet Builders
Buying land to build a custom home can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes one of the most rewarding steps toward your dream home.

Whether you already own land or are still searching for the perfect lot, Overstreet Builders can help you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about building your custom home in the Chicago suburbs with our trusted Build on Your Lot program.