What First-Time Builders Should Know About Rural Homes
Building a home in the country is a dream for many and with the right plan, it can be a rewarding reality. As a first time rural home builder, you’ll face decisions that suburban and urban projects rarely encounter, from well and septic placement to gravel road access.
Use the guide below to move forward with confidence.
1. Clarify Your Rural Lifestyle Goals
A rural lifestyle means different things to different people. Knowing a few specifics about how you see yourself living in your new home can help you narrow down your search for land.
- Primary residence or getaway? Decide whether this will be your year round home or a seasonal retreat.
- Recreation needs. Do you want shoreline for kayaking, woods for hunting or pasture for livestock?
- Distance to town. Consider commute times, school districts, healthcare access and broadband availability.
When you can articulate why you want to live rurally, you’ll narrow your land search and avoid costly compromises later.
2. Vet Zoning, Permits & Utilities Early
Rural counties and townships often have unique ordinances covering:
- Minimum lot sizes and setbacks
- Private road standards and maintenance agreements
- Well, septic and drainage requirements
- Building envelopes in flood plain or protected habitats
Contact the local assessor or zoning administrator to confirm requirements before you write an offer on land. Your real estate agent or attorney should also verify recorded easements and access rights.
3. Secure Purpose Built Rural Construction Financing
Once you’ve found the perfect place for your new home, you’re going to need a way to purchase the land and pay for your home’s construction. Working with a lender who understands the process of building a rural home can be a huge advantage.
Specialized lenders such as Compeer Home understand:
- Higher infrastructure costs like driveways and utilities are common in the country
- Non traditional home types like log, shouses or barndominiums
- Hobby farm outbuildings or acreage that exceed conventional loan limits
Construction loans through Compeer Home are designed to give new home builders flexibility. Our one-close loan option keeps things simple and gives borrowers one loan for the entire project.
When you’re managing all the moving pieces involved in building a home, knowing you already have the funds you need for all aspects of the build is a major relief.
Compeer Home’s construction loans also include up to 10 years to begin building when you opt for a home site loan, ideal if you want to lock in land today but build later.
4. Build Extra Time Into Your Schedule
Permit approvals, contractor availability and supply chain delays can push timelines out several months. Weather in the Upper Midwest can also shorten the building season.
If your new home building project runs into any of these issues, try not to be too discouraged. The care you and your home building team put into designing, planning and constructing your home will all be worth it when you’re happily living your best country life.
5. Partner With Professionals Who Know Rural
Assembling a trusted team is one of the most important steps in building your rural dream home. Working with professionals who understand the unique aspects of country living can help you avoid surprises and costly delays.
Architects, builders, and lenders familiar with country living will anticipate:
- Site orientation for passive solar and wind exposure
- Soil suitability for septic systems
- Road weight restrictions during spring thaw
Their expertise minimizes surprises and change orders.
Next Steps
Your dream country home starts with the right financing partner. Connect with a Compeer Home Mortgage Specialist today to explore flexible construction to permanent and home site loan options.
Your dream country home starts with the right financing partner. Whether you're ready to build now or still exploring your options, Compeer Home offers flexible solutions tailored to rural living.
Learn more about our home construction financing options and how we can support your rural homebuilding journey.
