🌧️ Drainage & Slopes: The Hidden Costs Underfoot 🌧️
On paper, a lot can look perfect: good size, right zoning, and a location that checks all the boxes. But step onto the property, and you may discover something that doesn’t show up on a survey map—how the land handles water and elevation.
💧 Why Drainage Matters
Standing Water: Wet spots, streams, or marshy ground can limit where a home can be built—or eliminate building potential altogether.
Runoff Patterns: A gentle rain can reveal how water moves across the land, and whether it flows toward a future home site.
Hidden Wetlands: Even small seasonal wetlands can trigger environmental restrictions, reducing buildable area.
⛰️ The Reality of Slopes
Steep Lots: Excavation and retaining walls can drive up costs dramatically.
Driveway Access: A beautiful ridge lot may look great, but carving a driveway up a steep hill can cost tens of thousands.
Usable Yard Space: Flat areas for lawns, patios, or play space are often overlooked until after closing.
👀 What to Look for When Walking the Land
Pools of water after rain or snowmelt
Natural swales (low channels) where water collects
Soil softness or mucky areas
The “lay of the land” — does it slope toward or away from the ideal building site?
✅ Key Takeaway
Drainage and slopes may not sound exciting, but they’re make-or-break factors for any vacant land purchase. What looks fine on a map can turn into a costly surprise once you walk the land.
That’s why I always recommend getting boots on the ground before making decisions. Paper tells you what’s possible. Walking the land shows you what’s real.
📌 Next in the series: Tree Coverage & Clearing Costs: The Forest vs. the Budget
🌧️ Drainage & Slopes: The Hidden Costs Underfoot 🌧️
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