As a property owner do you know what important steps you need to take to build your BRL dream home from scratch? Here are some important pointers from this writer and other residents who have successfully navigated the process. Your due diligence will expedite the process so your contractor can hit the ground running and save you time, money, and headaches.
How to Bring Your Mountain Home to Life: By Joy Coelho
1-YOUR LAND- It doesn’t matter if you bought your lot recently or years ago, and especially if it was purchased sight unseen, you should put on your hiking shoes and visit your land. Incorporate the visit to your property into your family vacation plans or choose a long weekend in the mountains. Knowing the unique contours and topography of your new prospective haven will help you determine the best location for your home’s footprint. Did you know that you can stay right in BRL at your choice of available vacation homes for instant and convenient access to your property during your visit in lieu of a distant hotel room? See Page 9 for available vacation lodging inside your Bear River Lodge neighborhood. Walking your property, watching the sunset and sunrise and how the sun illuminates your lot is the first step. It will give you a sense of what is possible and the best placement options of the house seat for views and functionality. Your visit will also immerse you in the feel of your unique community and amenities. You will see firsthand the finished homes your neighbors have manifested from dream to reality and garner some real inspiration. Familiarize yourself with the BRL Architectural Guidelines, and the Covenants & Restrictions so you are aware of the perimeters of your build. https://www.brlca.com/documents/
2- YOUR SURVEY- Having your land surveyed and physically staked so that you have a clear visual picture of your property lines is exciting. This step is key for forming a successful site plan and for facilitating the required placement of your well, septic and septic repair. You can choose a local surveyor or your General Contractor can handle this step too.
3- YOUR SEPTIC- Where does it “perk”? A certified soil scientist will identify exactly where your septic and septic repair field must be installed. Property that does not properly perk may require an alternative system to be engineered and installed to match the number of bedrooms in your dream home. Permits for septic systems on vacant land that were acquired years ago may have become expired. It is required to have current and accurate permits. Madison County Environmental Services Department issues septic permits.
4- YOUR WATER/WELL– Every home in BRL has its own well. Not having a monthly water bill and being able to drink clean mountain water is a healthy luxury. This writer personally hired a professional dowser to find the best spots to drill. We hit our water source on the first go. Be mindful of all county setbacks from the septic and property lines. He gave all of this information to us in writing including the expected depth and flow of the well. His forecast was right and we were very happy. This is an optional step.
5-YOUR BUILDER- Choosing a local General Contractor with a good reputation and track record is the most important decision in this process. It doesn’t matter if you have chosen your house plans from a website or if you have an architect designing a fully custom home, the mindful execution is all in the hands of your contractor. Really take your time, see the homes that they have completed and check their reputation with the Madison County Building Department and your new neighbors. Your GC must understand and follow our Architectural Guidelines and C & R building requirements.
6-PERMITS & SUBMISSION-Now you have your ducks in a row but-FIRST YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR PLANS to the BRLCA Architectural Committee to get approval from the BRLCA Board of Directors after they receive the Architectural Committee’s recommendations. Please review the full Submission Requirements in the Architectural Guidelines and become familiar with the C & R requirements so that your build request submission package is complete with color choices, site plan, grading plan etc.
7-APPROVAL- Upon BRL Board of Directors’ approval, your contractor can file for your required building permits. If you have already received the soil scientist’s septic plan, and you have a completed site plan which includes the checklist from the ARC Guidelines, your contractor will be ahead of the game. Good Luck and we look forward to meeting you, neighbor.