Benefits and Drawbacks of Selecting Sloped Terrain for Your House Construction

Many people are drawn to these sites for their breathtaking views and natural beauty even if building on sloped ground presents special difficulties. The steep terrain offers remarkable architectural possibilities, which allows for imaginative and original designs.

(Photo : Pexels/eberhard grossgasteiger )

Advantage: Better Return On Investment  

Building a house on a hill could provide more return on investment since properties built on this location sometimes fetch more real estate market value. The best method to ensure that your house will not only live up to your expectations but also exceed them in ways you could never have dreamed of is selecting a qualified builder who specializes in sloping block construction.

Advantage: Efficient Use of Space

Sloping blocks enable developers to increase the usable area of a property. Accordingly, including tiered landscaping or terraced gardens in their landscape design will help residential property owners maximize the use of their land and create aesthetically stunning outside areas.

Advantage: Environmentally Friendly Building

If construction is done on a sloped block, it will have less effect on the environment since it lessens the need for land that has to be cleared and the volume of earthwork involved. In addition, the natural slope might help with water drainage and erosion management.

Advantage: Magnificent views

There are breathtaking vistas of the natural environment that can be seen from a block that slopes. There is a significant increase in the amount of window space that comes with multi-level homes. This means that you won't have to choose between different wall treatments or paintings because you will have the opportunity to enjoy nature right outside your door. As mentioned, it is common practice for multi-level homes to be planned with living and entertaining rooms located on higher levels, which is done to make the most of the views and to let in more sunlight. Sloping blocks offer a number of benefits, one of which is the creation of decks and outdoor entertainment areas. 

Also Read: 7 Stunning Transformations You'll See by Adding Driveway Landscaping to Your Home

Disadvantage: Accessibility

Getting around the plot is one of the most significant challenges that arise while building on a slope. The contractor is responsible for material delivery to the site, and workers must transport the materials to the appropriate location, often constructing makeshift stairs and scaffolding when there's only one access road, which, while solving the issue, increases construction.

Disadvantage: Expensive Foundations

The foundations of buildings constructed on flat sites are laid at a consistent level throughout the structure, ensuring the floor slabs are also at the same level. Consequently, the foundations require only a moderate amount of excavation. However, steep slopes can be built on stilts or excavated for 'cut and fill'. The best choice depends on excavation costs.

Disadvantage: Watch Out for Erosion

Identifying and addressing the potential causes and sources of erosion on a specific lot is an essential step before construction can begin which is reportedly the most crucial reason to collaborate with reputable professionals. Pre-construction engineering work is even more important when it comes to sloped lots since sloped lots are more likely to be affected by erosion.

Related Article: Mastering Sloped Landscapes: Essential Tips for Building Success