Choosing a lot is much more than a simple administrative step in a construction project, it’s the foundation of your future quality of life. A poorly chosen lot can limit the size of your home, complicate construction, increase costs, or negatively impact daily comfort. On the other hand, a well-analyzed lot allows you to fully benefit from a well-designed house plan.
Here’s everything you need to consider to make an informed decision.
1. Physical characteristics of the lot: an essential starting point
Lot size and shape
The size and configuration of a lot directly influence the type of home you can build. A narrow urban lot won’t offer the same possibilities as a large rural property.
Key factors to consider:
- Lot width and depth
- Regular or irregular shape
- Corner lot or landlocked lot
For example, a narrow lot often requires a multi-storey home or an integrated garage, while a larger lot offers greater architectural freedom.
👉 Good to know: Many of our house plans are specifically designed for narrow, deep, or atypical lots and can be modified to suit your needs.
Discover our plans for narrow lots
Flat, sloped, or uneven terrain
The topography of a lot has a major impact on home design and construction costs.
- Flat lot: easier and often less expensive to build on
- Upward or downward slope: ideal for walk-out or garden-level basements
- Hillside or elevated lot: often offers stunning views but requires an adapted design
When properly designed, a sloped lot can become a major asset in terms of natural light, views, and property value.
👉 Our plans are designed to take full advantage of sloped lots while respecting technical constraints.
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2. Sun orientation: comfort, light, and energy efficiency
Maximizing natural sunlight
The orientation of your home is crucial for thermal comfort and interior brightness.
Ideally:
- Living areas (living room, dining room, kitchen) face south or southwest
- Bedrooms face east to benefit from morning sunlight
- Service areas (garage, storage) face north
A poorly oriented lot isn’t necessarily a problem, provided the house plan is designed intelligently.
👉 Our eco-responsible house plans take solar orientation into account to reduce heating costs and improve year-round comfort.
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Views, privacy, and neighbors
The placement of the home on the lot also makes it possible to:
- Take advantage of views of water, forest, or mountains
- Reduce direct sightlines with neighbors
- Create more private outdoor spaces
A well-designed house plan strategically positions windows, terraces, and living areas to maximize privacy without sacrificing natural light.
3. Municipal regulations: a step you should never overlook
Zoning and building codes
Each municipality has its own regulations, including:
- Front, rear, and side setback requirements
- Maximum building height
- Minimum habitable floor area
- Approved exterior cladding materials
Purchasing a lot without verifying these rules can lead to delays or force changes to a previously selected plan.
👉 Our experts can adapt our house plans to local regulations, helping you avoid costly surprises during the permit application process.
Services and soil conditions
Before purchasing a lot, it’s essential to verify:
- Availability of municipal sewer and water services or the need for a septic system
- Soil bearing capacity
- Presence of rock, clay, or wetlands
These factors directly affect the type of foundation required and the overall project budget.
4. Environment: city, suburb, or countryside
Adapting the home to its setting
Geographic context strongly influences the ideal home design.
- Urban areas: compact homes, multiple storeys, optimized space
- Suburbs: family cottages with integrated garages
- Rural or countryside: single-storey homes, cottages, large covered porches
With 30 offices across Quebec and Ontario, our experts support you locally, adapting to your project’s reality, whether modified or fully custom.
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Planning for the future
A good lot should also allow for future adaptability:
- Possible home extensions
- Adding a garage or intergenerational suite
- Adapting to evolving family needs
👉 A flexible house plan combined with a well-chosen lot is a long-term investment.
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5. Lot and house plan: an inseparable decision
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a lot without considering the house plan, or falling in love with a plan without knowing whether it fits the lot.
At Drummond House Plans, we believe a successful project relies on harmony between:
- The lot
- The house plan
- Municipal regulations
- The occupants’ lifestyle
Our plans are designed to be flexible, adaptable, and perfectly suited to Canadian realities. Our experts are with you every step of the way to guide your decisions and help bring your dream home to life.
Conclusion: the right lot deserves the right plan
Choosing a lot means choosing your everyday life for decades to come. By considering topography, orientation, regulations, and environment, and relying on professional expertise, you can build a home that truly meets your needs.