Lot noise issues

   We’ve covered some of the more blatant issues that can arise. However, like in most things, it’s the little small chance items that can be the most hassle. Whether or not these little things annoy you or not is, obviously, up to you. What I want you to realize is that these little things do happen and can seriously affect your enjoyment, and possibly the resale value of your new property. Here are a few that I’ve run into over the years…

Fire Stations and Secondary Whistles

   Fire trucks make noise of course, so be sure to get the location of the fire department closest to your future home site. Something that very few people think about, or are unaware of, is the secondary fire siren. In large towns, and in areas where the population is more spread out, often fire departments will set up a secondary fire siren; on the other side of town from the fire house for example, so all the firefighters can hear it. Do not find out the secondary siren is hidden in the trees 200 yards from your lot after you’ve bought it. A quick stop in, or call, to the fire department should get you the answer to this question.

Hospitals

   Where is the hospital in the area of your future lot, and what are the major routes that ambulances use to get there? Even in a small community, there can be quite a lot of ambulance traffic with sirens blaring and lights flashing. When looking into this issue, be aware of not only where the nearest hospital is but surrounding hospitals as well.

Out of Sight Noise and Odor Concerns

   Along with public services such as fire stations and hospitals, be sure to check for other possible annoyances. Businesses such as gun clubs, quarries, railroads (don’t forget railroad crossings), manufacturing plants, military bases and airports can provide some considerable noise pollution. Do not put yourself in a position to find out about these, or the severity of the noise, after you’ve purchased the lot! This is another major area that it can be easy to assume you know what the deal is. Sure the railroad tracks are over a mile away but can you still hear the whistle? How loud is it at 3am?

   Both town and country living have the potential for unpleasant odor issues. Many manufacturing facilities can not only produce noise but also odor, from processing procedures and their power plants. In the country, a farm can be miles away and, when the wind is right, the odor of the livestock or fertilizer can be overwhelming at your property. Chicken and pig farms can produce especially offensive odors. Just because everything seems fine when you’re walking a lot of interest you’ve got to dig deeper and consider possible negatives.

   Perhaps the farmer down the road spreads manure every morning and the whole area stinks like crazy from the hours of 5am to 7am. When you get serious about a lot take the time to check it out at several different times during the day (and night if you can) and really drive around to check out the area…not just a few blocks in each direction but a couple of miles at least! I’ve got nothing against farmers, in fact our family ran a small farm when I was younger, but they can really drive some people crazy. Check it out!