4) Choosing Whether to Build Your Home on a Basement or Crawlspace

Asheville's uniquely hilly terrain will often require building your home on a basement, but if you have a choice here are a few things to consider:

• Since a basement is a useable space, it will cost more to construct and insulate.
• Many Asheville residents utilize their basements for garage parking.
• Basements and crawlspaces are notoriously humid and susceptible to water issues. Make sure water drains away from either your basement or crawlspace.
• If you plan to utilize your basement as livable space, you will need to factor it into your HVAC needs.
• Talk with your general contractor about the advantages and disadvantages of basements and crawlspaces.

5) Maintaining Your Yard and Landscaping

Everyone wants a beautiful yard, but as you are considering your landscaping, make sure you account for various maintenance challenges in our area, including:

• Mowing Your Lawn: Before you replace trees with grass, consider the terrain on which you must mow the lawn. Steep hills are dangerous for riding and push mowers.
• Water Drainage: It is vital to work with a general contractor who understands the importance of proper rain water drainage. You want to make she water is channeled away from your home effectively.
• Sensitive Plants: As we have discussed, Asheville weather is susceptible to extremes. It is not uncommon to experience freezing temperatures as late as March and April, especially in the highest elevations.
• Potential for Flooding/Drought: Western North Carolina can transition from flooding rains to extreme drought quickly. Make sure your lawn and plants are capable of withstanding extreme climate conditions.
• Utilize Natural Features: As your home builder, how you can utilize the natural features on your property.

6) Clearing Trees and General Forestry Issues

It can be tempting to want to simply clear out all of your trees, so you can enjoy your beautiful new view; however, there are a number of factors to consider before purchasing your lot and clearing your trees:

• In the mountains, clearing trees can be more difficult, and more expensive.
• Summers in Asheville can be quite hot. You may miss the shade once you clear trees.
• Trees with large root systems may be vital to the integrity and condition of your lot.
• Consider the potential dangers of trees near your home. High winds, snow, and ice can bring down large limbs and entire trees.
• It is always advantageous to save as many trees as possible.

It is always wise to consult and work with a general contractor who has experience with the challenges of building in Asheville and surrounding areas. If you have a building project in western North Carolina, contact Legacy Contractors. We have been building in Asheville for a long time. We are happy to help.