Not all lots are perfectly flat, and some homeowners have to design homes keeping slopes, hills, and other land variations in mind throughout the entire process.
To build a structurally sound and safe home on a sloped lot, you typically need to perform a topographical study and soil testing. This will tell you the exact slope gradient you need to work with, which informs whether you should build a stepped foundation, walkout basement foundation, or on piles or stilts. Building on a sloped lot often involves land excavation, which most likely requires a separate permit. Choose a home style that works with the slope and natural elements rather than against it, such as a split-level house, daylight basement, or craftsman-style home.
We can build your custom home on a sloped lot when you contact Blythe Custom Homes online.
Building a home on a sloped lot can present some difficulties for homeowners, which is why you must first have a topographical study and soil testing done to know if it is even an option for a specific piece of land and its slope gradient.
One of the first steps in safely building a home on a sloped lot is getting a complete topographical study done on the entire property. During this assessment, a surveyor can map ground-level elevations, including slopes, hills, and other natural features that may impede the design or placement of the home, such as rock formations.
The topographical study will also confirm the slope gradient, which determines which type of foundation you should build your custom home on. Generally, anything under 10% is considered a slight gradient, anything between 11% and 20% is considered a moderate gradient, and anything over 20% is considered a steep gradient and requires extra attention and special engineering.
Soil testing is another essential step in building a home on a sloped lot, especially if there is a steep gradient. Soil composition, bedrock depth, water table stability, and other factors can tell us whether the soil is currently strong enough to support the house and foundation without shifting, or if the soil needs to be fortified and improved before construction begins.
You may still be able to build on a sloped lot with weaker soil, but you might be limited as to what foundation you can build your home on if you want to avoid extensive soil grading and fortification.
Certain types of home foundations are well-suited to sloped lots, and we can help you choose the right type based on the slope gradient, your aesthetic preferences, your budget, and your practical needs,
A “stepped” foundation is one of the most popular types for homeowners building on sloped lots. Concrete footings are poured to match the slope angle, helping evenly distribute weight and avoid major hill excavation before construction can commence. A stepped foundation works well for homes built on minor to moderate slopes, but typically not structures built on very steep inclines.
Walkout basement foundations are well-suited for building on sloped lots. The home is built directly into the hillside, with the downhill side the only side exposing the house structure. Walkout basement foundation homes can come with higher construction costs because of the major excavation involved, but they can also provide unmatched natural light, more usable space, direct outdoor access, and a unique look and curb appeal.
Building on piles or stilts is typically the best approach for extremely steep slopes. Piles or stilts are driven deep into the ground, and the home is built on top of them, reducing the need for major grading or soil fortification. Building on stilts lets you preserve the natural landscape of the lot and avoids the need for excavation, which is required for walkout basement and stepped foundation homes.
The more extreme the slope on a lot is, the more complicated planning and building a safe, structurally sound custom home becomes. Because of this, you may need to get more permits than you would if you were building on flat land.
In addition to standard construction permits, you may need grading and earth-moving permits for major excavation work when building a walkout basement, stepped foundation home, or otherwise disrupting a considerable percentage of the land.
Homes on sloped lots often benefit from adding retaining walls, which you most likely need a special permit for, depending on the height.
We can help you choose the style of home and floor plan that takes advantage of the unique slope and natural elements of your lot instead of fighting against it.
Split-level homes work great on sloped lots, as shorter staircases between floors can match the slope’s gradual gradient, maximizing space and working with the angle rather than against it. Split-level homes are popular among families large and small.
Homes built on walkout basement foundations are not only perfect for sloped lots, but they also provide a unique living experience and seamless outdoor access. Rather than the basement being a dark, somewhat useless area of your home, it can be a bright, practical space that you use every day. Daylight basements can be single-story ranchers or larger, multi-story homes, depending on the design.
Craftsman homes often incorporate many natural elements found on sloped and hilly lots, such as heavy wooden beams and natural stone. Craftsman-style houses often look perfectly at home nestled into slopes or hillsides, especially in the mountainous areas.
For custom home planning and construction, reach out to Blythe Custom Homes now.
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