Just as there are many different types of homes, there are many different types of lots. Lots can vary in their shape, size, slope, and even in the positioning of the house. Here is an overview of the various lots you might find in your community.
TYPES OF LOTS
Walk-out Lots
Walk-out lots take advantage of a sloped lot and have an exterior door from the lower level to the backyard. This provides easy access to the outdoors and helps make the backyard an integral part of your living space.
Sunshine Basement
A sunshine basement (sometimes called a “daylight basement”) has full-sized windows that bring more natural light into the lower level of your home. With the added brightness, your basement becomes an appealing location for a family room, games room, media room, or extra bedrooms.
Level Lots
Level lots are flat and can accommodate many styles of custom homes. These versatile lots are a popular choice for young families because of the reduced number of stairs, easy access to entrances on all sides, and an evenly graded yard.
Back-to-Front Lots
With a back-to-front lot, water will naturally flow towards the street and the municipal storm drains. As a result, homeowners can strategically plan their landscaping based on the flow of water throughout the property.
FRONT-TO-BACK LOTS
The drainage for these lots flows toward the backyard, with drainage systems located on or behind your property. Front-to-back lots are conducive to welcoming front yards, private backyard retreats, and creative landscaping.
Transitional Lots
A transitional lot has a variety of elevations throughout the property. These variations create opportunities for unique home styles, side entrances, artful landscaping, and multi-level decks. Your home becomes more distinctive as it highlights the natural features of its lot.
DRIVE-UNDER LOTS
Homes on drive-under lots have the garage located at a lower level than the main living areas. This is a good solution for a lot with an unusual or difficult slope. Examples include steep uphill slopes, significant side-to-side slopes, and wetland lots where the living areas must be elevated.
WIDE SHALLOW LOTS
These lots are wider than a typical lot but have less depth. Due to the wider front footage, the floor plans of these homes can accommodate bedrooms on the main floor or larger secondary bedrooms. They also have an attractive front façade due to the garage being less prominent than a home on a conventional narrower lot.
PLACEMENT OF THE HOME ON A LOT
Traditional Lot Homes
With a traditional lot, the home is plotted in the centre of the lot, allowing for additional lot space on either side of the home. Traditional lots adhere to regular dimensions and zoning regulations, making it simpler to plan and design homes within these parameters.
Zero Lot-Line Homes
With a zero lot line home, one side of the home is built on the edge of the neighbouring property line. Because the home is built on the edge of the property, a narrower lot is required. This translates into cost savings for the homeowner, as the money typically spent on the lot can now be allocated to the home itself. Zero lot line homes have additional rules and regulations about the home’s exterior. For example, the side of the home that is on the property line cannot have any windows, taps, plugs or vents.
As you are planning your dream home in a new community, be sure to consider which type of lot will be best suited to your needs.