Purchase a land, Plan Purchase and Customization

[Thomas Sbahtu]

I recently purchased a 2500 sq ft lot on level ground, situated between two existing houses. As a civil engineer with expertise in road design, I am now looking to shift my focus to land development. Based on my calculations and preliminary research, I have found that the Bay Area offers good returns from developing land, although acquiring level land and obtaining permits can be challenging.

I have a few questions:

1. 1) Is it recommended to purchase a complete house plan from online sources like ePlans or similar websites and then customize the architectural design before submitting it to the municipality?
2. 2) I am trying to minimize expenses and explore the possibility of securing a construction loan. What would you recommend as the most cost-effective approach to obtaining all the necessary elements for a building permit?

Your insights and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

[Robert Ellis]

Quote from @Shane Kluiter:

Your first new build will be hard to qualify for. If you've done some repair work that would help. I generally recommend my clients work with a builder who has done 5 or more new builds on their first deal. Even if they just have them on as an advisory role, having them on the LLC helps you get a better deal on funding and their experience will help you to get the project completed more quickly. You'll give up some project but the value in that first deal is what you learn.
Sometimes you can meet builders at local real estate meet ups

 this is exactly right. we close in a single member entity with 95% of the new build owned by the client and 5% of us so we can qualify them. we don't have voting or distribution rights