Question regarding Lot size (Austin: cul-de-sac, fit in, houses)

[SFOtoAustin]

Hi All

I have told by the builder that my lot is 60' lot and I am in contract with them. But in the final plan it shows that its 55' lot and its goes wider at the back till 74' and also they charged me premium for the lot size due to the total size is greater than the standard 60' lot.
In general is this common that if its 60' lot goes by total dimension rather the actual 60' in the front.

The response from everyone, will be helpful to deal with the builder.

[CptnRn]

Not sure, but I suspect the builders measure it at the front building setback line. That would limit many houses to the maximum width of what you can build on an individual lot. This is probably a "builder issue" rather than any universal code requirement.

[FalconheadWest]

Sounds like you're in a cul-de-sac and yes, cul-de-sac lots are charged premiums because you're going to get a much larger lot than your 60' neighbors down the street. To pie out from 55' to the 74', it would be good to give full details next time and not let people on that you're getting cheated, when you've actually picked a premium location.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by SFOtoAustin

Hi All

I have told by the builder that my lot is 60' lot and I am in contract with them. But in the final plan it shows that its 55' lot and its goes wider at the back till 74' and also they charged me premium for the lot size due to the total size is greater than the standard 60' lot.
In general is this common that if its 60' lot goes by total dimension rather the actual 60' in the front.

The response from everyone, will be helpful to deal with the builder.

Sounds like the builder is averaging the width to roughly "60", since it's 74' at the back. For cone shaped lots like that, I don't know the industry requirements. Maybe they take the measurement at median depth. The concept though is that as each section steps up, from 50, 60, 70, 80ft lots, the home sizes and buildout quality increase as well. So, a home in the 60ft section will be a better base grade home than the 50ft section, and less than the 80ft section.

What if it was 74' in front and 55' in back? Would that be ok with you? Not every subdivision can be built with perfect rectangle shaped lots. Many other factors such as trees, separation from neighbors, street traffic, compass direction of the home, etc. affect the desirability of your lot.

Steve

[SFOtoAustin]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

Sounds like the builder is averaging the width to roughly "60", since it's 74' at the back. For cone shaped lots like that, I don't know the industry requirements. Maybe they take the measurement at median depth. The concept though is that as each section steps up, from 50, 60, 70, 80ft lots, the home sizes and buildout quality increase as well. So, a home in the 60ft section will be a better base grade home than the 50ft section, and less than the 80ft section.

What if it was 74' in front and 55' in back? Would that be ok with you? Not every subdivision can be built with perfect rectangle shaped lots. Many other factors such as trees, separation from neighbors, street traffic, compass direction of the home, etc. affect the desirability of your lot.

Steve

Thanks for the response
Sometimes having 75' width in the front, there will be a advantage having better elevation for the house, but the backyards will be smaller..
But there is a possibility all the bigger plans can be fit in this lot.

[SFOtoAustin]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Not sure, but I suspect the builders measure it at the front building setback line. That would limit many houses to the maximum width of what you can build on an individual lot. This is probably a "builder issue" rather than any universal code requirement.

You are right in this aspect. The building setback line is closer to 60'.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by SFOtoAustin

You are right in this aspect. The building setback line is closer to 60'.

I've owned con shaped lots before. It's actually advantageous in that you have a smaller easier to maintain front for street appeal, yet a big spacious back yard that affords greater privacy, more room for playscape, pool, etc. Almost every culdesac lot is like that (though more pronounced than yours), and most owners like it. I'd take that over a reverse cone (fat in front, narrow in back) any day.

Steve

[BriansZ]

I agree with everything said. The lot sizes you see from builders in these communities are more for the type of house that can be built. A 60' section has houses that are typically just under 50' wide, which gives you a 5' easement on each side. Some lots may be smaller and irregular, and they may have a few larger lots to accommodate half and full garage additions. When you're in the process of signing the contract to have a house built you pick out a lot, and they should show you a print out of the lot with the rough placement of the house, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Austin-Steve pointed out an advantage that I'd never considered, but I'll definitely remember that. Many people spend more time maintaining their front yard for curb appeal, and it is definitely easier with a cone shaped lot.