Going big! We are concidering a teardown and rebuild.

[Mary lou L.]

We found a property that has two condemned homes. It is a REO listed at 86000. We are going to see it tomorrow. Per the agent it is of course cash only, vandalized property no electric due to no payment of bills ect. So we will be starting from scratch.

It is on a 10000 ft sq lot it has two homes and some outbuildings on it. Its in the country but with city water and sewer.

I was looking for advice and any blogs with experiences like this! If we get the property I will surely post updates!

[Kelly R.]

I have done infill construction of new homes in Maryland for years.  A few things to look into:

Check the cost of upgraded water service if you are on public water and sewer. In parts of Maryland you need to get a toilet count on the existing home to receive credit for them toward the cost of the new water service.  Also check the laws involved with differing the cost of the upgraded water service, this is called a "front foot fee" in my area.  

New homes in some parts of my area require a sprinkler systems. Those systems require a larger 1.5" water service and the upgrade can get expensive! 

If you are not on public water and are on well and septic check the septic laws and make sure your septic area will handle the required # of bedrooms.  Do a yield test on the well to make sure it meets the minimum requirements for the new homes. 

Check for height restrictions and or story restrictions.  For example one jurisdiction in my area only allows 2.5 story homes.  Basement  + first + second = 3 stories.  If the basement level is in the ground by a certain percent it is considered a "cellar" and not a story so you are clear at 2 stories.  The height restriction is still in affect. 

We now have storm water requirements on small lots... Dry wells are required to "store" the rain water on your lot from all impervious surfaces for 24 hours, including the driveway!  Yes you have to drain your driveway water into a dry well.

That's it off the top of my head.