Considering building a home at Sarilia?

Building a home is a meaningful undertaking — and if you’re building a home at Sarilia, where you build matters just as much as what you build.

At Sarilia, homes are shaped by the land they sit on, the people who live in them, and the quiet, steady rhythm of river valley life. Whether you’re planning a family home or imagining a peaceful next chapter, choosing the right lot is the first step toward creating a place that feels like home.

What we’ll cover:

1. Start with what matters most to you
2. Build with the land in mind
3. Get familiar with the Owner’s Handbook
4. Gather multiple quotes
5. Stay involved throughout the process

1. Start with what matters most to you

If you’re building a home at Sarilia, the first step is understanding what matters most to you and your family.

Every family arrives at Sarilia with different priorities. Some want wide-open views. Others want privacy and tree cover. Some begin with a house plan; others begin with the land itself. There’s no wrong place to start — only what feels right for you.

Choosing your lot

A few key considerations can help shape your decision:

• Views— Higher elevations offer sweeping valley vistas and stunning sunrise–sunset light
• Size— Lots range from roughly ¼ acre to ⅓ acre, with some residents choosing a double lot for added space |  View Property Map
• Privacy— Treed lots provide natural screening and a tucked-away feel
• Budget— Different lot sizes and elevations help meet a variety of budgets

Land first or home first?

Two common paths:

• Choose the lot first, then design a home that makes the most of the natural landscape
• Choose the home plan first, then select a lot that suits it best | View Owner Handbook (Appendix A)

Both approaches work beautifully here — the best one is simply the one that makes the most sense for your family.

2. Build with the land in mind

Sustainability isn’t a trend at Sarilia — it’s part of the way people live. Many homeowners choose features that help their homes stay efficient, comfortable, and in harmony with the river valley.

Considerations may include:

• Solar panels— Ideal for open, sun-exposed roofs
• Enhanced insulation— A simple upgrade that reduces heating and cooling costs year-round
• Grey-water systems— A practical way to conserve water and reduce strain on septic systems
• Prairie xeriscaping— Low-maintenance landscaping that preserves water and keeps yards looking beautiful without heavy upkeep

These choices aren’t required — they’re simply options that many residents find rewarding over the long term.

3. Get familiar with the Owner’s Handbook

Before you build, it’s important to understand Sarilia’s architectural standards. These guidelines exist to:

• Protect the natural feel of the community
• Ensure homes age well together
• Maintain views, privacy, and harmony with the land

Most homeowners find the standards reassuring — a shared commitment to keeping Sarilia the quiet, beautiful place it is.

4. Gather multiple quotes

Every builder approaches projects differently, and costs can vary more than you might expect. We recommend gathering at least three quotes so you can compare timelines, materials, communication style, and overall approach.

A little homework upfront goes a long way toward a smoother build.

5. Stay involved throughout the process

Once construction begins, your presence matters.

Visiting the site regularly helps you:

• Catch small issues before they become big ones
• Stay informed about progress
• Communicate easily with your builder
• Feel confident about each step of the project

Most Sarilia homeowners describe this phase as exciting — watching a dream slowly take shape against the backdrop of the river valley.