Many home owners choose to be secluded and build their homes in rural areas, and accessing the home becomes a troublesome task. There are many things to consider when thinking about acquiring a home with private road access.
First, it is important that you understand the cost of the infrastructure of the road. Sure, you may love the view from the mountain top, but think of the cost to access it. An ideal private road provides the first impression to those visiting and prospective buyers. But, it is also important to have a good road in place, just in case an emergency occurs. You will have to meet with an engineer to go over all of the costs associated from the main access road to your home. Make sure that fill, draining tiles, gravel, sand, culverts, and equipment usage fees are all included so you aren’t surprised when construction begins. If you chose a wooded area for your home, trees and smaller plants may need to be cleared before any construction can begin. This may mean a meeting with a landscaper as well.
If your home isn’t built yet, be cautious of your road plans. Heavy equipment will need to get up to your home, so waiting to put the final touches on the private road may be ideal. If your private road can’t hold a semi-tractor trailer or excavator, you may need to pay additional delivery fees in order to get your home materials delivered on smaller trucks.
Each town has different rules when it comes to private roads, so make sure you design your road to code to avoid costly changes in the future. It all depends on how many homes are on the private road, and other local coding laws.
Heavier, more permanent construction materials are suggested for climates with a lot of rainfall. If your home is at the end of a long road and you get a lot of snow, you will need to map out areas where snow can be pushed when it comes time for plowing. It is important that emergency vehicles always have access.
Think of how often your private road will be used. If it is for a summer getaway, an old fashioned dirt road may work just fine. If you are planning on making this home your primary residence, a more stable asphalt road would be ideal.
If your private road provides access to more than one home, most towns require a maintenance agreement. It is normally attached and enforceable on the deed itself. It will detail responsibilities and other aspects of maintaining your road.