Selecting Your Lot. There are two schools of thought on the right time of year to purchase your lot. Many prefer to select their lot during the winter months when they can really see what they are getting: view, nearby structures, topography of the lot. Others fall in love with the mountain during the 'green' period and quickly embrace the sense of privacy, natural plants, and, of course, availability. You might want to consider several things as you prepare to buy your land.
What are the dimensions and shape of the lot?
How steep is it?
What will the driveway be like?
Is it reasonably accessible?
What kind of view are you looking for?
How many trees will you need to remove to obtain that view?
It might be wise to remove only the trees for access to the building site and later remove other trees to get your desired view. The downside to this is the expense of having trees taken down at a later date and time. The upside is you will have time to experience the seasons in your home before deciding which trees to remove. In any case, you should not remove more than half the trees over four inches in diameter to comply with the Restrictive Covenants agreed to by the community.
Does the land 'perc'? You might consider including a clause in your contract to purchase that the land must "perc" (allow for drainage).
Septic Systems. The septic tank and fields must comply with Buncombe County Health Department requirements. The county will require you to have a permit to dig your septic field and also a repair field, should the need arise. Make sure that they are located where they are accessible for servicing. There have been instances where septic tanks have been installed too close to the house, under driveways or decks. There are also conditions placed on how far from your septic system your well should be located. Check with Buncombe County Health Department for specifics.
Well, Well, Well. Most city folk have never had a well as their water source or have been involved with the digging of a well. It is a most fascinating and interesting experience. However, as novices, most of us have had to learn a lot. Some people have waited until the house was built before drilling the well, others have started with the well first. So the questions are:
What about the well?
Should you dig it first?
Is your well going to be easily accessible for service?
Selecting Your Contractor. You have the lot, you have made the decision to build, you are new to the area and need information. The following are some suggestions from those of us who have "been there/done that".
Check with the Homebuilders' Association for a list of contractors.
Check with residents for recommendations of contractors. Every one has a horror story or a success story.
Ask for references from your contractor and then check those references.
Interview more than one contractor. Then check with Better Business Bureau and the Homebuilders' Association about the contractor to see if there are any complaints or judgments against the contractors you are interested in.
Have an idea of the type of home you want to build. Take into consideration the topography of the lot, the 'view', the elevation. Wind from the North, Southern and Western exposure are important factors.
A good contractor will work with you on your plans or may have some plans for you to consider.
Make certain either you (or an independent overseer) will be checking the construction site regularly.
Important Note. A reminder to any property owner planning to build or have materials delivered to the Mountain — Make sure everyone involved knows about the steep roads within the community. Large trucks often have difficulty with the grades and making a turnaround. Property owners are liable and responsible for any damage to roads or properties by their vendors and suppliers.
When To Build? During the months of January thru April there is a constant freeze-thaw process that dramatically affects the integrity of our roads. Trucks have gotten stuck, slid off the road and/or created a great deal of damage to the roads during this freeze-thaw cycle. The repair of this type of damage is the responsibility of the property owner.
Contract With Contractor. This is the nitty-gritty part of building a home. No matter how fast you want to get started, the contract makes a big difference in the whole process. You want to avoid as many unexpected expenses as possible. Make certain your contractor either knows and/or includes in your contract:
a) the road damage/repair policy of the Association, including the use of heavy equipment policy.
b) the steep grade and lack of turn-around for oversize vehicles.
c) that construction may not start until the FFHA Architectural Committee has received application and approval has been given as to compliance with the Restrictive Covenants. (Approval is normally given within ten days of receipt of the application.)
d) a written start date for construction with an estimated or "not later than" date for completion. (Factor in time delays due to weather, etc.)
e) what the up-grades are, if any.
f) what the TOTAL cost will be for construction.
g) who pays for what.
Among the various items to consider when building are: site preparation, grading, driveway gravel or surfacing, septic installation and hook-up, well drilling, installation and hook-up, culverts, back-fill, landscaping, blasting rock, and rock removal after blasting.
Site Preparation
Footprint. Stake out the footprint of the house (including decks/porches) and the driveway, making sure that all setbacks as outlined in the Restrictive Covenants are met.
Trees. Mark trees that you want to remove and those that you may want to save. Consider however, trees that are left to close to the foundation or those whose bases are covered with 'fill' dirt will probably die within several years. It would save money in the long run to remove them as you are preparing your home site. You also might consider living in your home for a year before cutting trees for a view, but as mentioned in the previous section, this could increase your cost. Finally, rope off any trees that you don't want construction traffic driving over the root systems.
Grading. Good drainage is very important around your house. Proper grading is key in the drainage area. Erosion can be a major problem if we have heavy rains. Improper drainage can cause your 'yard' to wash away or create problems for your neighbors if it drains through their lot or across roads.
Ask your contractor about putting up "silt screens" during construction to control erosion.
Driveway. Make sure your driveway is properly contoured and ditched. Determine whether or not culverts are needed to prevent erosion either to your land or your neighbors. An owner who lives on the 'up-side' of the road should install a proper culvert under the driveway where it meets the road. Culvert pipes should be of sufficient size. Decide whether you are going to pave your driveway or have a "road bond" (gravel) surface. You might want to let the ground "settle" for a year before paving. Due to ice and snow, a South to Southwest exposure is ideal. The sun will melt the surface quite quickly. Seek advice from FFHA Roads Committee if you have any questions and check with FFHA regarding the latest policies regarding driveways before you build.
1. Delinquent Assessments
Construction permits for structure and driveways will not be issued to owners who are delinquent in payment of assessments. For purposes of issuing permits, assessments past due for more than 30 days are considered delinquent.
2. Refundable Deposits
A. Driveways
a. There is no deposit required for a permit if the driveway application is made at the same time as a structure application.
b. There is a $1,000 refundable deposit for a driveway construction permit that is independent of a structure application.
B. Structures
a. There is a $1,000 refundable deposit for a permit for construction of a non-residential structure.
b. There is a $2,000 refundable deposit for a permit for construction of a residential structure.
3. Fees
Construction fees are not refundable. They are deposited in the Infrastructure Fund that is used for long-term improvement of the roads in Fairview Forest.
The payment of Infrastructure fees is required before permits are issued as follows:
A. Driveways
a. There is no fee required for construction of a driveway.
B. Structures
a. The fee for construction of a residence is $1,000.
b. The fee for construction of a residential addition is $700.
c. The fee for construction of a non-residential structure with a footprint of more than 400 square feet is $500.
Fairview Forest is a private community that offers a unique quality of life. The Restrictive Covenants are resident-friendly and are the rules that property owners and residents need to abide by. Although some rules may seem inconvenient, they are not unreasonable.
The "must do" requirements for construction in Fairview Forest are found in the Restrictive Covenants in Articles 8 and 9. Please familiarize yourself with them, read them thoroughly and conform to them. They are available in booklet form from the Association upon request. This booklet is primarily about recommendations and suggestions that will help you complete your home. Everyone has his or her own horror story about building a home. We hope this will help eliminate some of those problems.
Architectural Application / Driveway Permit
The architectural application should be completed and signed by the property owner at least three weeks before you plan to start construction. The Architectural Committee will reply to your application within ten days. However, if there are any questions or complications, you need to allow some time to settle them.
Driveways shall be constructed and/or maintained in such a way as to minimize drainage that will damage roads and common areas. Proper ditches, ditch lining and culverts must be installed. No newly created driveways or other access to a property shall be installed by an owner until the owner first obtains a Driveway Installation Permit from the Roads Committee. Check with FFHA regarding the latest regulations governing driveway installations, permits required, and to obtain a driveway application form.
Placement of your structure on the lot is the first and in some cases the most complex decision in planning you home. You must consider land prep for the house, driveway positioning and drainage, well location, septic tank and septic field location and compliance with required setbacks. (See Covenants, Article 8, Section 8.11.)
When you submit your Architectural application, it is important that you clearly define the location of your house and driveway on a survey. It is suggested that colored-ribbon stakes be placed at the corners of the property in order to identify boundaries. The Committee will do a site survey to confirm setbacks and any erosion concerns. They must be able to locate the house and driveway based on the material that you submit. While it is not required, it would be helpful to the Committee if you or your agent were to stake out the corners of the proposed house on the lot.
If the Committee cannot confirm compliance, it may require a more current survey or a clarification of the markers defining the property.
Address Sign
Commercial or business signs, including builders' site signs, are not permitted in Fairview Forest (Covenants, Article 8, Section 8.1.a). In order to simplify delivery of materials, accommodate building inspectors and for 9-1-1 purposes, it is suggested that you post your address at the entrance to your construction site.
Selecting Your Contractor
You have the lot, you have made the decision to build, you are new to the area and need information. The following are some suggestions from those who have "been there/done that".
Before you talk to contractors, have an idea of the type of home you want to build.
Check with the Homebuilders' Association for a list of contractors.
Check with residents for recommendations of contractors.
Ask for references from your contractor and then check those references.
Interview more than one contractor. Then check with the Better Business Bureau and the Homebuilders' Association about the contractor to see if there are any complaints or judgments against the contractors you are interested in. A good contractor will work with you on your plans or may have some plans for you to consider.
Make certain either you (or an independent overseer) will be checking the construction site regularly.
Contract With A Contractor
This is the nitty-gritty part of building a home. You want to avoid as many unexpected expenses as possible. Make certain your contractor either knows and/or includes in your contract:
the road damage/repair policy of the Association, including the policy regarding use of heavy equipment policy;
the steep grade and lack of turn-around for oversize vehicles;
that construction may not start until the Architectural Committee has approval the application;
a written start date for construction with an estimated or "not later than" date for completion (factor in time delays due to weather, etc.);
what the up-grades are, if any;
what the TOTAL construction cost will be;
who pays for what:
Site preparation
Grading
Driveway gravel or surfacing
Septic installation and hook-up
Well drilling, installation and hook-up
Culvert pipes
Back-fill
Landscaping
Blasting rock
Rock removal after blasting
One of the foundations of the Fairview Forest community is quiet enjoyment of the mountain. Likewise, residents know that construction will temporarily disrupt the tranquil atmosphere. (After all, every house built in Fairview Forest caused 'building noise'.)
The property owner (through his contractor or site supervisor) is responsible for ensuring the subcontractors and vendors keep noise to a minimum. The topography of the mountain is such that noise travels in strange ways; the person right next door may not hear excessive noise but a resident a short distance down the road or down the mountain will hear it all.
Contractors, subcontractors and vendors are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to minimize controllable noise. Power tools, nail guns, trucks and general operations will often be noisy. Controllable noise such as loud radios, excessive yelling, profanity and horn-honking is irritating and unacceptable. In addition, minimizing construction late in the evening and keeping a tidy work site will go a long way toward assuring that your neighbors-to-be will be glad when you move in.
Burning
Be sure to tell your contractor that the community does not allow burning of construction debris under any circumstance, even in a burn barrel. All debris must be taken off-site.
When To Build
Most owners have built their homes from May to November. These seven months have the dual advantage of better weather and longer days. During the period from December through April there is a constant freeze-thaw cycle that dramatically affects the integrity of our roads. Trucks have gotten stuck, slid off the road and/or created a great deal of damage to the roads during this freeze-thaw cycle. It is costly to have heavy-duty tow trucks come to the rescue. Please request that vendors NOT deliver heavy construction materials when we are in a thaw or immediately after heavy rains. Keep in mind that the property owner is liable for damage done by his vendors to the roads and common areas.
Heavy Duty Equipment, Track Vehicles
Track vehicles and other heavy construction equipment must be transported to, and off-loaded at the site. Heavy duty and track equipment can and has damaged our roads, costing the owner hundreds of dollars in repair costs.
Road Maintenance, Repair Scheduling
During the Spring and Summer months, extensive road improvement and maintenance work takes place. Maintenance and repair schedules are generally posted on the bulletin board. However, it is suggested that you or your contractor contact the Roads Committee Chairman to coordinate major deliveries with any road work that might interfere with your construction.
Driveways
Location of your driveway is critical to maintenance of your property and your access road. Driveways must be within the bounds of your property, not encroach on a neighbor's property, association easements and rights-of-way. (They can be identified on your survey or a county plat map.) Erosion is a major problem with incorrectly installed driveways and can create major damage your property as well as to community roads. The correct installation of a driveway includes proper pitch, drainage culvert diameter of required size and should include ditch lining. Check with FFHA for the latest policies governing driveway installations and permits required.
Many new residents on the mountain have never had to deal with a septic system. The septic tank and fields must comply with Buncombe County Health Department regulations. The county will require a permit to install the septic system. There have been instances where septic tanks have been installed too close to the house or under driveways or decks making servicing difficult. Additionally, there is a county requirement regarding the distance of the septic tank from your well. Check with Buncombe County Health Department for specifics.
Wells
Many new property owners have never lived where their main water source is a well. Some prefer to drill for water before they start construction and some wait until the house is completed. No matter when you decide to drill your well, Buncombe County has guidelines for location of the well in relation to the septic system. It is recommended that a well be positioned for easy access for repair and maintenance. Your 'well-driller' can help you decide where your well should be best located.
Grading
Good drainage is very important around your house and proper grading is key element. Erosion control is one of the responsibilities of the property owner and his contractor. Buncombe County is quite strict on erosion control is prone to issuing citations. Therefore, installation of silt screens, soil control material and general preventive measures to keep the land stable is requested. A heavy rain can wash away portions of unprotected property, send dirt, gravel and silt onto roads and create problems for your neighbors.
Easements
The Covenants define a strip of land (called an easement) around each property. (See Covenants, Article 8, Section 8.12.) Easements are set aside for use by utilities to run lines and along roads for road maintenance by the Association. If a property owner builds, constructs or plants anything on an easement, the utilities and/or the Association may demolish structures or cut down foliage without notice.
Utilities
Underground wiring and telephone cables are already installed in many areas. If you do not have access to electricity for your site, please call Progress Energy (previously CP&L) to for information on how and when you will be able to have power installed. The same holds true with BellSouth. Before you or your site prep contractor begin to dig, It is important to make sure that there are no utility lines that may be cut. A service company named ULOCO will come to your property and check for underground wires at no cost to you. If you do not use this service, the utilities can hold you responsible the expense of repairing cut lines.
Progress Energy provides electric service to our area. When weather causes outages, repairs are usually made in a reasonable time.
Some residents have emergency generators. It is a good idea but may not be a high priority for you. If you have a "high tech" life style and the equipment that goes with it, you may want to discuss the installation of a generator at the time of construction.
Propane or fuel oil are option for your furnace. Propane may also be used for your stove, water heater and gas logs. Propane tanks can be rented or purchased and can be buried or placed above ground.
Tree Removal
You may not remove from your property more than half of the trees having a diameter greater than four inches. In choosing which trees to remove, remember that trees too close to the foundation or those whose bases are covered with 'fill' dirt will probably die within several years.
Some owners live in your home for at least four seasons (a year) before cutting trees for a view.
Downed trees, cleared brush and other by-products of clearing the site should be removed from the community. However, chipping for mulch or chopping for firewood is a good alternative to removal.
Rock
There is a real possibility that you will encounter rock formations that cannot be removed by a back hoe. This may require you to relocate the foundation of your house or to make changes in the house design. If this does occur, the Architectural Committee should be notified to make certain that the set-backs, etc., will still be appropriate. Under some circumstances, this would require a variance. In extreme cases, blasting might be required. This has happened two or three times in the past ten years and is an additional expense you would want to avoid.
Dumping
All construction debris must be removed from the construction site. Construction trash that is transported or strewn to other sites is the responsibility of the property owner.
Portable Potties
It is requested the portable potties be placed unobtrusively. If at all possible, the units should be off the road and adjacent to the driveway.
