We're looking at a piece of land that's pretty steep and uneven, but the view is amazing, so we're tempted. Thing is, I'm worried about hidden costs or headaches we might not be thinking about. Has anyone here built on a slope or tricky terrain before? Any advice on what to watch out for or how to keep costs from spiraling out of control would be super helpful.
Have you thought about how tricky it might be to get heavy equipment and materials onto the site? I've seen people underestimate just how much extra cost is involved in making a steep lot accessible during construction. Excavation and grading can quickly spiral out of control if the terrain is challenging—especially if you hit rock or unstable soils. Also, drainage issues can become a real headache if the slope isn't managed right from the start.
One thing I'd question is whether you've fully considered alternative building techniques—like cantilevered designs or pole foundations—that might actually reduce some of those hidden costs. Sometimes people get stuck thinking traditional foundations are their only option, but there might be simpler ways to work with the land rather than against it. Have you looked into that much yet?
