There are several reasons why one might want to build a house on a sloped surface. Perhaps you’re building a little house on a hill, or an apartment building in a sloped part of the city, or you simply want something that resembles Tony Stark’s island each house. Regardless of the reason, building on a sloped is not easy for anybody. Several builders choose not to take up jobs that require them to build on sloping blocks, purely because of the architectural nightmare it entails. However, it has been done before, and with a few tips, you can have your dream home on a slope.
- Pick the right builder
Building on sloping sites is not the same as building on a flat piece of land. Not only is the terrain different, but it comes with its own set of difficulties as well, including the unforgiving elements. The builder you pick needs to be aware of all these difficulties and know exactly how to tackle then to build you the house you want to see. Ask to see some houses that your builder has completed on sloped terrains prior to this. If they don’t have any, chances are they haven’t built on sloped before, and your best option would be to pick someone else.
- Cut into the hill
If the house you’re building is on a hill, you will need to cut out a chunk of it to create a flat surface to build your house on. There is also the possibility that you may need stilts to help balance a side of the house if part of it ends up hanging off the cliff. However, the best thing is to ensure that the house is built on as much solid ground as possible, so that its foundation remains strong throughout. The problem with a house on stilts is that they might not be able to withstand the conditions surrounding them and repairing or maintaining then from time to time could get expensive.
- House placement
Placement of the house will mean everything when it’s built and has to withstand everything that a slope can potentially throw its way. Rainfall could lead to flooding of the house if it is not positioned suitably, causing a less than desirable living experience for inhabitants. You may also wish to position it in such a way that it isn’t damaged by high winds everything that comes with them. When placed right, your house could even be protected by the very hill it should be protected from, with the hill protecting it from the winds if you are aware of the usual direction of the winds.
- Weather conditions
On flat land, the presence of other structures around your house or apartments building is actually a gift, because it tends to serve as a protection against the elements. Since your house might be the only structure around for miles on a hilly area, or a simple sloping block, it will not have that protection. It might get colder than usual where you are planning to build the house, so make sure you have protection in place to protect you from harsh weather conditions.
- Make sure it is worth it
When all is said and done, your house needs to be habitable, whether by you or someone you plan to rent it out to. Creativity is king when it comes to a house on a sloping block. So, let your creative juices flow with the making of this house. Take your architect’s help and find out all the dos and don’ts of building on a hill and work your way around them with as much finesse as possible. Take inspiration from existing houses and add in some ideas of your own to make something unique. You will end up with a house that is not only suited to your tastes, but you could end up with something that will easily earn back all the money you spent on it. Check out these sloping block builders to get started on your dream home.
Your home deserves special attention to detail. Make sure that you hire the right people, use the right materials and choose the right place to build. Your home will definitely match up to your expectations if you do.
