Selecting Land or a Neighborhood Lot

Choosing land is one of the first—and most important—decisions in the homebuilding process. Whether you’re drawn to privacy or community, your lot determines what’s possible.

Magnifying glass highlighting Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, and West Feliciana on a blended map of satellite imagery and subdivision layout

“This decision shapes everything—design, utilities, and how you’ll live on the land day to day.”

Let’s break down the pros and cons of rural land vs subdivision lots so you can choose what fits your goals.

Rural Land: Privacy and Possiblity

Advantages:

More privacy and space than typical subdivision lots
Lower cost per acre, especially outside high-growth areas
Greater design freedom for outbuildings, fencing, or gardens

Considerations:

Clearing, grading, and dirt work often required before building
Flood zones may require elevation or higher insurance
Utility connections may need to be added or upgraded

Also see: “The Dirty Secrets About Dirt Work” for tips on hiring the right contractor and preparing a proper house pad.

Subdivision Lot: Convenience and Predictability

Advantages:

Utilities are typically ready (water, sewer, electric)
Closer proximity to schools, shopping, and emergency services
HOA design rules can help protect long-term property value
Easier financing thanks to nearby sales comps

Considerations:

Smaller lots with less privacy
HOA rules may limit design flexibility
Builder restrictions may require using approved plans or partners

Local Considerations Matter

Building in Louisiana means accounting for unique site conditions — especially elevation, flood zones, and wetland areas. These factors can directly impact your buildability, timeline, and insurance costs.

If your land is in or near a flood zone, you may need:

A proposed elevation survey before design begins
An elevation certificate to qualify for insurance or permits
FEMA LOMA or LOMR-F approvals if the house pad will alter the flood zone
Wetland mitigation planning, if you're near protected areas
A Flood Hazard Determination Review from FEMA for official documentation
To check your property using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center

It is important to note that you should NOT rely on the selling agent or landowner's information unless a survey to determine the proposed elevation has been completed within the last 8 months. Even if the survey has been completed within the last 8 months, it is important to verify the FEMA flood maps have not been revised within that period.

We help clients work through these steps early—before they commit to a plan or budget.

Quick Comparison

When you're weighing rural land against subdivision lots, the trade-offs become clear. Here's how they stack up:

Feature	Rural Land	Subdivision Lot
Privacy	High - more distance between homes	Moderate - closer proximity to neighbors
Lot Preparation	Often required (clearing, grading, house pad, access)	Usually minimal
Utility Access	May require installation or upgrades	Typically included (water, sewer, power)
Design Flexibility	High - fewer restrictions	Limited by HOA rules
Financing & Appraisal	Can be arder to comp or appraise	Often easier due to neighborhood comps

Not Sure Which Lot Is Right For You?

Before you commit to a piece of land or lot, use our Feasibility Review Checklist to evaluate key issues like site prep, utilities, and restrictions.

This tool will help you organize your priorities, avoid costly surprises, and get ready for your Conceptual Estimate with a builder.

Click on the Image Below to get started

Carroll Construction

12693 LA-67, Clinton

One2XL ★★★★★ a year ago

I am blessed to have the opportunity to write a review for Carroll Construction. This is the most outstanding, dedicated, professional, family friendly God loving, company (and team) … More I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Building a home can be a daunting experience and building it alone was not something I thought I would ever take on. The Carroll Construction team from day one limited the anxious feelings. Moving through the pre-building experience was worth its weight in gold. As I worked with the team through various iterations of my build, we got it just as I needed - plus some!! I knew exactly what I was building and just as importantly, what I was spending before they even broke ground! I was made to feel a part of their team as they listened, guided and provided exceptional expertise in a multitude of areas. As the build started I was provided a calendar and knew each day who was on site and what was being worked on. I could not have made a better decision than to work with this team. If you are blessed to work with Carroll Construction just know you are in good hands from start to finish! May God bless them, their families and all their happy customers! Cindy Graham

5.0 25 reviews

One2XL ★★★★★ a year ago
I am blessed to have the opportunity to write a review for Carroll Construction. This is the most outstanding, dedicated, professional, family friendly God loving, company (and team) … More I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Building a home can be a daunting experience and building it alone was not something I thought I would ever take on. The Carroll Construction team from day one limited the anxious feelings. Moving through the pre-building experience was worth its weight in gold. As I worked with the team through various iterations of my build, we got it just as I needed - plus some!! I knew exactly what I was building and just as importantly, what I was spending before they even broke ground! I was made to feel a part of their team as they listened, guided and provided exceptional expertise in a multitude of areas. As the build started I was provided a calendar and knew each day who was on site and what was being worked on. I could not have made a better decision than to work with this team. If you are blessed to work with Carroll Construction just know you are in good hands from start to finish! May God bless them, their families and all their happy customers! Cindy Graham
Evelyn Boe ★★★★★ 6 months ago
The Best! Very knowledgeable and respectful! The entire process from start to finish was amazing. Totally stress free! Thank you Carroll Construction for helping make our dream come … More true. We are truly grateful and very blessed. ( Bonus.. We are neighbors!)
Amanda Riley ★★★★★ a year ago
In 2023 we began the search for a custom home builder, to build our forever home. This process was overwhelming because, let’s be honest, you have to be careful when choosing the right … More contractor. We almost made the wrong choice, but so thankful God led us to Carroll Construction! Our initial conversation with the owner, Robert Carroll, gave us the clear direction that we needed when choosing the right company. I knew this was the home builder we could trust with our build. Trust is the most important attribute a contractor can hold. The open communication, organization, the willingness to truly listen to our wants and needs, is exactly what the entire team at Carroll Construction gave to our family. The team, as a whole, is detailed-oriented and willing to go above and beyond the “standard” expectations. The entire process is arranged to ensure the customer is “in the know” through the entire build, and to make certain there are no surprises along the way. From the initial consultation, through the interior home design process, to the final signing of the contract to begin construction, I felt at ease and assured our forever home would turn out exactly as planned. Carroll Construction not only met our expectations but surpassed what we imagined! Our beautifully new constructed home is complete and we are beyond thankful for the entire team, at Carroll Construction, for making this experience flawless and stress-free. If you’re beginning this process, or about to sign a contract to begin your construction, stop and make sure you’re making the right choice. If you’re choosing Carroll Construction, sit back, enjoy the build, and let the stress-free process allow you to make memories along the way.
Robert Hebert ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago
Robert and his crew were great to work with! Very detail oriented and nimble with our requests and timeline.
We were extremely pleased with our results and would definitely recommend … More Carroll Construction.
millicent dittmar ★★★★★ 7 months ago
We just finished a home with Carroll Construction and could not be happier! After a previously challenging build with another builder, we were a bit gun shy about starting the process … More again. It was also going to be a remote build which added to the anxiety since we wouldn’t be up there on a regular basis. All of those fears and anxiety were put to rest instantly. Robert’s attention to detail and clear communications kept us informed on everything, and he handled the few issues that came up without any worry on our part. Tracy was the most intuitive designer I’ve worked with in any capacity and finished our home perfectly, and Bethanie was the most meticulous forewoman who kept everyone in line and made sure we were always kept apprised of what was going on at the site with texts and pictures. She was also a fantastic animal wrangler! The team became much more than our builders; they became our friends. As I told them, we would do this all over again because the process was so easy, timely and stress free. That is saying it all for us. A client couldn’t ask for better!
Faith Phillips ★★★★★ 3 years ago
It’s no small decision to build a custom home, let alone to choose the right builder to do so. When we chose Carroll Construction we knew we were going to receive integrity in communication … More and quality, but they exceeded that expectation. Despite all the ups and downs of the current construction market, high costs, product delays, etc. Carroll Construction was made to handle all these curveballs with ease. I feel if we were with any other builder, there would have been stress, chaos, confusion, etc. but they knew exactly how to navigate these misfortunes and end with a successful product and happy client. We are also extremely pleased with the quality of craftsmanship; they went above and beyond to build expertly in every way.
Above all else, there was always an open and continuous conversation between us and the building team. We cannot thank Carroll Construction enough for building our family home that will hold so many of our wonderful memories to come!