Sometimes the perfect location for your new home does not have ideal building conditions. For example, you might choose a neighborhood for its schools, tax rates, or other reasons, but the only lot you can purchase has size limitations. You might even prefer a narrow lot if you want to have a smaller footprint or do not want to maintain a larger property. Whatever your reasons for purchasing the land you selected, there are plenty of ways to build on all types of lots, including narrow ones.
Consider these ideas as you explore options for building on a narrow lot:
Build Up, Not Out
A smaller footprint doesn’t necessarily have to mean less space inside your new home. Building a two-story home will almost double the total living area, so you can still enjoy ample interior space on a smaller lot. This option can also be more economical than building a larger single-story home, because the foundation is smaller and fewer roofing materials are required. If you prefer single-story living on your narrow lot, consider a vaulted ceiling to make the space feel more open. If the site conditions allow, you can also build a finished basement to add even more living area.
Be Clever About Garage Placement
Many people who are building a new home want to include a garage for protecting vehicles, storage, and additional work space. If the site allows alleyway access, you can place the garage at the rear of the house. However, if you want the garage in front, you can integrate it into the floor plan and place it adjacent to the entry. You can also build a master suite above it, like the floor plan featured in our Ruby design. This approach also offers the benefit of a shorter driveway, which can help you save money on installation and also requires less maintenance. Garage design features like windows and overhangs can help a front-facing garage blend into the house more if you don’t want it to feel so dominant.
Keep the Floor Plan Open
A home with a narrow footprint can feel small if it is broken up into many smaller rooms. Incorporating an open floor plan in the main living area can make the space feel larger. For example, the Cottonwood design is only 1,094 square feet, but with an open great room that connects to the kitchen, the house feels both spacious and cozy at the same time.
Let the Light Shine in
Ample, larger windows can also make a smaller house feel more spacious, so incorporate as many as the design allows. In a more crowded neighborhood, privacy might be an issue, so consider placing windows higher or plan on window treatments that afford privacy when you want it.
Adair Homes offers a range of floor plans for narrow lots. If none of these options matches your vision, we also have a professional design staff that can create a fully custom home for you. Contact us today to speak with a Home Ownership Counselor in your area.
