If you’re considering purchasing your land or moving into a new house, there are several environmental factors to consider before doing so. Is the land within an environmentally protected area? How close are nearby neighbors? What about noise pollution? The answers to these questions will help determine how sustainable and environmentally friendly your next purchase will be. Here are six environmental factors to consider before making your next real estate investment.
1. Proximity to Shorelines, Streams, and Rivers
One consideration when choosing land is the proximity to streams, rivers, and shorelines. It would help if you considered whether the property you are considering is too close to these areas that could flood during heavy rains. It’s also important to know if there have been any contamination issues with these water sources in the past, as it may impact your decision on what type of house you build on your lot. Also, being too close to these water sources can lead to pollution concerns for those who live nearby.
There have been documented cases where pesticides used by local farmers have found their way into the groundwater supply leading to groundwater contamination and creating health problems for those who drink from that well. It’s, therefore, crucial to always find a property that is at a safe distance away from these waterways. If possible, try to get situated on higher ground so that future flooding will be less likely to occur on your property. In addition, this will make it easier for wastewater treatment plants and septic systems to process stormwater runoff before it flows back toward natural waterways like streams and rivers.
2. Land Slope
One environmental factor you will want to consider is the slope of the land. Sloping land is more difficult and expensive to maintain, but it can offer better views. If you purchase sloping ground, ensure it does not exceed 20 degrees in incline, as there may be drainage issues. Additionally, when purchasing sloping land, it is essential to survey the area for any evidence of erosion and always check with your local municipality before making any final decisions.
When surveying the land, look for signs such as flooding due to rainwater runoff. In addition to exploring the area, note whether any obstructions, like outcrop, could lead to erosion if removed. Lastly, take note of other parts of the property where water might accumulate (i.e., creeks). Meanwhile, you can find valuable house and land packages at Five Farms Clyde North at a fair price and in a conducive family environment.
3. Hazardous Waste Sites
One environmental factor to consider before purchasing land is whether or not the property is near hazardous waste sites. Industries may release chemicals from hazardous waste sites into the air, ground, and water, and some substances may cause severe ailments. If you are considering buying property close to waste sites, you should try to find out if there are any waste products of concern at the site and how they could potentially affect your health.
If you’ve any concerns or doubts, avoiding such properties is better. However, concerned agencies usually map out potential hazardous-waste areas, and you can look into this information if you’re interested. It’s crucial to be cautious when looking for a house because once you purchase it, you may never get a chance to retreat.
4. Geology and Soil Conditions
The geology and soil conditions of your property are essential factors to consider. Geology refers to the earth’s makeup below the ground, including rocks and minerals. The soil type can impact how much water infiltrates into the ground, affecting how quickly water will drain away from your home in a storm event and how much organic matter is present in it.
Irrespective of the type of soil, it’s crucial to understand the unique characteristics of your soil so that you can assess potential issues that may arise due to construction activities. If you want to build a vast project, a great way to find out more about your site’s geology and soil conditions is by requesting a free site evaluation with a professional with expertise in these areas.
5. Risk of Natural Hazards
Assessing the risk of natural hazards such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes is crucial. That can help you make vital decisions like finding another property or putting measures into place to mitigate risks. For example, if your land shows signs of flooding, you may consider building your home on higher ground. And if your house is in an area with an increased risk of hurricanes, it might be wise to install hurricane-resistant windows and doors.
It would help if you also took insurance to cover high-risk factors that may wreak havoc on your family life, property, and assets. Many options are available when considering what type of protection is necessary for any situation, including fire and flood insurance, tornado insurance, and earthquake coverage.
Conclusion
Buying land or a house is an excellent investment. It would help if you, therefore, took the time to carefully consider the environmental factors that are most important to you before making your decision. Be it accessibility, climate, nearby pollution, and more; there are many aspects of an area’s environment that you should explore before purchasing land or a house. The good news is that you can research these factors online using various resources such as Google Maps and local government websites, meaning they don’t require much effort! If possible, visit the areas of interest in person so you can experience them firsthand and assess their suitability for yourself.
