Hey everyone (Stephanie Leonard, REALTOR® with the RiverWILD Real Estate Team here)! Are you considering buying a new home in Johnston County? That’s fantastic!
Today, I want to talk to you about something important but often overlooked – impervious surfaces. What are they, and why should they matter to you? Let’s dive in!
What is an Impervious Surface?
First things first – what exactly is an impervious surface? These are surfaces that don’t allow water to penetrate the ground. Think of your home’s roof, driveways, patios, and sidewalks. Water runs off these surfaces instead of soaking into the soil.
Why is This Important for Johnston County Home Buyers?
- Water Runoff and Drainage: Impervious surfaces increase water runoff, which can lead to drainage issues. Too much runoff can cause flooding and erosion, impacting your home’s foundation and landscaping.
- Environmental Impact: Increased runoff from impervious surfaces can carry pollutants into local waterways like Buffalo Creek or the Neuse River. This affects water quality and the local ecosystem. Being aware of your property’s impervious surfaces can help you make more eco-friendly choices.
- Property Regulations and Costs: Many local Johnston County towns and municipalities have regulations on the amount of impervious surface allowed on a property. Exceeding these limits could potentially lead to fines or the need for costly mitigation measures like installing rain gardens or permeable pavers instead of sidewalks. In extreme cases, people have to have portions of sidewalks, patios, or driveways removed to meet regulations.
Planning for the Future
This is also really important when thinking about how you would like to use your new Johnston County home in the future. It would be heartbreaking to buy a new home in Clayton or Smithfield with plans to build an in-ground pool in the future, only to find out later that impervious surface limits will not allow a pool to be built. This is just one example of why it is important to know the impervious surface limitations on a property that you would like to purchase. I can guide in this area.
Final Thoughts
So, when you’re looking at homes for sale in Johnston County, take note of the impervious surfaces and consider their impact. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your homeownership experience.
If you have questions about a home’s impervious surfaces, send me a quick text to my cell at (910) 812-8330 or shoot me an email to stephanie@riverwildrealestate.com!
For more tips and advice on buying, selling or investing in Johnston County real estate, and new construction, stay tuned for more real estate content. See you next time!