Totally agree about steering clear of septic tanks—just imagining the look on my mom's face when I tell her I've built a garden over one makes me cringe... But you know, old barns and stone foundations can sometimes drive prices up because everyone wants that rustic charm. If you're really budget-conscious (like me), consider looking at old industrial or commercial plots. A friend recently snagged an abandoned gas station lot for dirt cheap, cleaned it up, and turned it into this amazing open-plan home with huge windows and industrial vibes. Took some creativity, sure, but the end result was incredible—and affordable. Sometimes the hidden gems aren't just quirky farmhouses; they're tucked away in unexpected places nobody else is considering. Just gotta think outside the box a bit!
Industrial plots can definitely be hidden gems, but just a quick heads-up from experience—make sure you're prepared for some extra legwork. I worked on a project last year where the client bought an old warehouse lot. They got it super cheap because no one else wanted to deal with the cleanup. Turned out there were some environmental issues (nothing too scary, just old oil leaks and stuff), but it did mean extra paperwork and inspections before we could even start building.
On the bright side, once we got past all that red tape, the build itself was pretty straightforward. Industrial lots usually have solid infrastructure—good access roads, utilities already in place, and zoning that can sometimes be more flexible depending on your local codes. Plus, the industrial aesthetic is pretty forgiving if you're into exposed beams, concrete floors, and open layouts. We ended up doing polished concrete floors and left some of the original steel beams exposed—looked fantastic and saved a bit on finishing costs too.
If you're considering something similar, I'd recommend getting an environmental assessment done upfront. It might cost a bit initially, but it'll save you from nasty surprises down the road. Also, check with your local planning department early on to see if there are any zoning quirks or restrictions you need to know about. Sometimes these commercial or industrial properties have weird rules attached to them—nothing insurmountable, just stuff you want to factor into your timeline and budget.
All that said, I'm totally with you on thinking outside the box. Some of the coolest homes I've worked on started as places you'd never imagine living in. One client even converted an old fire station into their dream home—complete with the original sliding pole still intact (which was awesome, though probably not great for resale value 😂).
"I'd recommend getting an environmental assessment done upfront."
Definitely second this—also, budget extra for potential remediation costs. We bought an old mechanic's shop, and cleanup expenses crept up fast. Still worth it overall, but just keep a buffer in your budget for surprises.
Agreed, environmental issues can quickly escalate costs. We once considered a beautiful lakeside plot, only to discover buried fuel tanks from an old marina. Cleanup quotes were astronomical... needless to say, we moved on. Always pays to dig deeper before committing.
"Always pays to dig deeper before committing."
Couldn't agree more. We almost jumped on a wooded lot last year—seemed perfect at first glance—but turns out it was sitting right on protected wetlands. The restrictions and permits alone would've blown our budget before we even broke ground. Glad you caught those fuel tanks early... dodged a bullet there for sure. Keep looking though, hidden gems do pop up when you least expect it. Took us a while, but eventually found something affordable and clean. Hang in there!
