What to Know Before You Put Your House at the Back of the Property
It’s tempting to put your house way back on the land. Privacy, better views, no one driving past—it sounds like the dream. But I’ll tell you from experience, there’s a lot more to think about than how it looks on paper. Here’s what I wish more people knew before they build in the back.
You’ll Pay More for Every Utility
The farther your house is from the road, the longer your electric, water, and internet runs have to be.
That means higher trenching costs, more material, and more chances for something to go wrong. It adds up fast—especially if you’ve got rocky soil or elevation issues.
Maintenance Gets Old Fast
Gravel driveways wash out. Fences break. Trees fall.
When everything’s a quarter-mile from the road, fixing things gets more complicated. It’s a lot more walking, hauling, and planning for even the smallest job.
Emergency Access Could Be a Problem
If something goes wrong and you need help fast, long and winding driveways can slow response time.
Make sure there’s room for fire trucks or ambulances to turn around, and that your address is clearly marked at the road.
You Might Regret the Isolation
Peace and quiet is great—until the weather’s bad, power’s out, or you’re trying to keep an eye on kids playing near the driveway.
Sometimes being closer to the road makes day-to-day life easier, especially when it comes to deliveries, security, or helping aging family.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
