Always check setbacks and easements early. Some lots look huge but end up with a tiny buildable area.
That’s the part that tripped me up once. Found a “deal” on a wooded corner lot—looked big on paper, but after setbacks and a utility easement, I was left with a weird triangle to build on. Ended up having to redesign everything, which cost more than I’d planned.
- Odd shapes can be cool for passive solar or natural ventilation, but only if you can actually orient the house the way you want.
- If you’re thinking green, check sun exposure and drainage before you get attached. Some of these parcels are cheap because they’re shaded out or have runoff issues.
- Don’t forget about access for construction vehicles. My builder almost walked when he saw the slope and tight turn off the main road.
Sometimes the quirks are worth it, but only if you’re ready for a few surprises.
Honestly, I kind of like the challenge of an odd-shaped lot. Sometimes those “unbuildable” corners end up being the most creative projects—think green roofs, split-levels, or even tiny homes tucked into the landscape. Sure, you have to work around setbacks and access, but with the right design, you can turn those quirks into real assets. Not every builder loves it, but if you’re open-minded and flexible, there’s a lot of potential in those overlooked parcels.
Funny you mention those odd-shaped lots—last year I picked up a wedge-shaped parcel that everyone else passed on. It looked impossible at first, but with a little creativity, we managed to fit a small duplex and still leave space for a pocket garden. The city was picky about setbacks, but working closely with the planning department actually opened up some options I hadn’t considered. Ever run into issues with utilities on these kinds of lots? That’s usually where I hit the most snags.
Ever run into issues with utilities on these kinds of lots? That’s usually where I hit the most snags.
That’s the trickiest part, isn’t it? Odd-shaped parcels always seem to have a surprise or two underground. I’ve had to reroute sewer lines before—felt like solving a puzzle nobody wanted. But honestly, your creativity with the duplex and garden is inspiring. Sometimes those “impossible” lots end up being the most rewarding when you finally figure them out.
Odd-shaped parcels always seem to have a surprise or two underground.
- Couldn’t agree more. Last year, I worked a flag lot where the water main was nowhere near where the city said it’d be. Ended up hand-digging half a day just to find the thing.
- Power’s usually less of a headache, but sewer lines? That’s where the real fun starts. Had one job where we had to run a line under a neighbor’s driveway—permits, easements, the whole nine yards.
- One thing I’ve learned: always budget extra for utility surprises. Even if the lot looks straightforward, there’s usually something lurking.
- On the flip side, those weird lots can be gold if you’re willing to wrestle with the details. Sometimes you get a deal just because nobody else wants the hassle.
- Not sure I’d call it “rewarding” every time, but when it finally comes together, it does feel pretty good. Just gotta be ready for a few curveballs along the way.
