My in-town homestead

[Joseph]

I bought this corner building lot from my brother. It is located on a busy street in the town where I live. I will be removing the trees and installing utilities this fall and hope to build something after the first of the year. I may try selling afterwords to get out on a farm. Photos of lot.

What would you build or do to gain the most value out of a building lot? It has off street parking, and I will be adding a security light and pole if I can find one.

[WildernesFamily]

Can't see the pics unless I subscribe to that forum

[Joseph]

Sorry, fixed.

[mnn2501]

If your goal is to sell it, I certainly wouldn't take those tree's down. Since its in town, its probably zoned and from the looks of the surroundings probably residential. zoning and what is in the area will tell you what to build there much better than a message board.

Not tying to be mean here but my question would be (and too late) if you didn't know what you were going to build there, why buy it?

[Joseph]

I would agree with you about the trees, if they were good trees. Although you can't really tell from the photos, there is a lot of dead wood in the trees. They are old elm trees and one maple with a bad crotch and roots exposed. I will probably replant a quality tree or two. I may sell eventually or just use it for collateral to buy a farm.

I realize the lot is zoned and residential. I bought it for a space to park a bus off the street and I do know what I am going to build. Just thought others might be interested or have ideas.

[wy_white_wolf]

Being a city residential lot I wouldn't do anything with the expectation of it increasing the value other than the Utilities. Anyone looking to buy it would be looking at it to build a house so anything you do would get tore up in the process. Even a pole for a security light could easily be in the way of what they want to do.

[C_Brice]

You aren't gonna do a lot to increase value on a vacant lot. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it while you have it. Depending on building set backs and such you may be able to put up a building or garage in a "logical" location. You won't make money but the value of the garage would be added to the sale value. You could also put a shed on it that could be mover later to your new location. You could garden it. You may even be able to raise some rabbits on it. There is all sorts of things to do with it while you have it if you use your imagination. There is so much wasted space in cities. Heck, a person could run a pretty good homestead right on a city lot if they put their minds to it. Most don't.

CB

[Joseph]

I may not have been clear with my original post. I didn't buy the lot to cleanup and sell for someone to build on. I bought it for a place to put my 35 foot bus that is currently on the street. I may sell it at sometime in the future, so was wanting to add things that would make the place more desirable.

I am going to build after the first of the year. I have to install the utility pole for a light and 200 amp electrical service. This will be for security for the bus, plugging it in, and power for tools when building. Electric will be run underground from the pole to the buildings to eliminate overhead wires.

I will be installing a storm shelter and a storage building first. Then I will be building a studio/apartment.

I was looking for ideas such as particular types of grass, gravel or paved driveway/off-street parking, garden spot, lighting fixtures, etc ...

[C_Brice]

Things you are talking about are completely subject to persnal taste. But to answer a few. If you are going to put a perminate building on it install a 200 amp "feed thru" panel and the meter socket right on the building. Forget the power pole in this case.That way you're all set and don't have a stinking pole getting in the way later. Traditional security lights suck power all night and are ugly. Also, the quality of light they put off sucks. I'm not a fan of motion lights either but it may be your best bet. Don't get the el'cheapos you see at the hardware store for $10. Spend some money and get a good one. Installing one inside your building would be a good thing too. For a parking areas I would go with mulch. Cleans up easier if you decide to move it and mulch is better on the mower. Looks nicer than gravel IMO too.

CB

[FrontPorch]

Why would you remove the trees? Generally property is deemed more valuable if it can boast "mature trees". Unless they're causing a problem I would leave them.

[blufford]

The most value that your property will gain is the type dwelling that you build on it. In my untrained opinion a 3 bedroom rancher with 2 baths would give you the most bang for your buck and sell the fastest. If not a rancher then a simple cape cod or half cape cod which may be easier and cheaper to build.

Of course you would probably want a strong real estate market to resell in. The lots already got a lot going for it since its a corner lot and on a busy street.

What are your plans for the bus??????

[Joseph]

The bus is for hauling music equipment.

[Freya]

How big is the actual lot?


Up and down the streets... what size house do most people have? That would probably sell the best later on if you wanted to build a dwelling on it.



A fruit tree or two (dwarf?) would be nice and people like to have them.

[agmantoo]

Have you applied for a permit for the improvements? Most towns will not issue one for the use you describe.

[Shrek]

If you build, try to incorporate green roofing as it will not only provide garden space, it reduces storm run off, offers insulation that benefits both heating and cooling, reduces heat island effect, extends the roof life and often qualifies for local , state and federal environmental credits to help offset building costs.

[Joseph]

Originally Posted by agmantoo

Have you applied for a permit for the improvements? Most towns will not issue one for the use you describe.

I don't see why you would think that.

It is 1 1/2 lots, I believe it is 75 or 100x120. I owned this place years ago when it had a three bedroom house.