Purchasing vacant land is an exciting opportunity, whether you’re planning to build a home, start a farm, or invest for the future.

Before closing on a property, however, it’s important to understand how you’ll obtain one of the most essential resources for any home: water.

Matthew Phipps, owner of Phipps Water Solutions, encourages buyers to ask questions early in the process. Understanding a property’s potential before purchasing can help avoid unexpected costs and make future development much smoother.

Will a Well Be Needed?

One of the first questions to answer is whether the property will rely on a private well.

If municipal water isn’t available, planning for a well should become part of your overall building budget and timeline.

Understanding that early allows you to make informed decisions as you evaluate different properties.

Is There a Suitable Location for a Well?

Not every part of a property is an ideal location for a well.

When evaluating land, consider whether there appears to be:

• Adequate working space
• Good equipment access
• Areas that could meet required setbacks
• Room for future maintenance

Even if drilling won’t occur immediately, thinking about these factors now can help avoid challenges later.

What Is Known About Nearby Wells?

Existing wells in the surrounding area may provide helpful information.

While neighboring wells don’t predict exactly what will happen on your property, they may offer insight into:

• General well depths
• Regional groundwater conditions
• Typical drilling practices

A qualified well contractor can help interpret that information within the context of your specific property.

How Will the Property Be Used?

Water needs vary considerably depending on future plans.

Ask yourself:

• Will the property serve a single-family home?
• Will irrigation be needed?
• Will there be livestock?
• Could additional buildings be added in the future?

Understanding long-term water needs helps guide planning before construction begins.

Is the Property Accessible?

A drilling rig requires adequate room to safely access and operate on the property.

Narrow driveways, steep terrain, or heavily wooded areas may require additional planning.

Thinking about access before purchasing land can simplify future construction.

Build the Right Team Early

Purchasing land often involves several professionals, including builders, surveyors, and contractors.

Including an experienced well contractor in those early conversations can help identify questions before construction begins.

Early planning often results in a smoother project and fewer surprises.

Think Beyond Today’s Purchase

Buying land isn’t simply about today’s transaction.

It’s about preparing the property for years of future use.

Taking time to understand water availability, well planning, and site considerations before purchasing helps set the stage for a successful project.