Starting a construction project requires thoughtful preparation and planning. Choosing an optimal site is one of the most critical decisions you will make when you build on your lot or break ground on any building endeavor. The experts at Jamestown Estate Homes say that the location you select can have lasting impacts on permitting needs, project budgets, design possibilities, and more.
Check Zoning Codes and Permit Requirements
The first step is researching applicable zoning regulations and permitting requirements, as these vary significantly depending on the site. Zoning codes dictate what type of structures you can develop on a property. For instance, an area zoned for single-family residential use may prohibit commercial buildings or multi-unit housing. Permitting processes ensure your building plans meet local and state codes and safety standards before construction begins. Be sure to closely review permitting timelines and approval procedures to avoid delays once projects are underway.
Evaluate Access and Transportation Capability
When evaluating potential sites, also consider accessibility factors for equipment, materials, workers, and end-users throughout the build and post-construction. Can large heavy-duty vehicles, machinery, and lift equipment easily enter and exit the site? How is the flow of pedestrian, vehicle, and delivery traffic in the area? What public transit options are available nearby? Is there sufficient street and off-street parking availability? What is the proximity to main arterial roads, highways, interstates, and other transportation networks? Sites with limited accessibility often translate to exponentially higher site preparation, material transport, and operating costs after building.
Assess Infrastructure and Utilities Access
Take stock of what existing infrastructure and utility services are available on different sites as well as what needs development. For example, water, sewer, electric, gas, storm drainage, and telecommunications access can greatly influence costs and complexity. Tapping into existing municipal supply lines and grids is simplest, while extending such services to remote areas can be complicated. Also factor in if there is enough system capacity, water/wastewater pressure, power load, pipe volume, etc. to serve current and projected needs. And consider infrastructure locations; having to dig long trench runs or excessively deep trenches to access utility lines also boosts budgets substantially.
Study Surrounding Areas and Neighboring Developments
Before selecting a location, be sure to carefully examine its surroundings and what exists on adjacent properties. Have a clear picture of how surroundings integrate with or potentially impede building plans prior to finalizing a site. Also look at neighborhood impacts like noise, operating hours, views, sunlight access, and other considerations.
Secure Site Surveys, Soil Tests, and Environmental Reports
Another crucial step before cementing a site choice involves collecting detailed current information about the land itself. Licensed surveyors can map precise property boundaries and terrain contours. Geotechnical engineers perform soil composition testing and analysis to reveal load-bearing capacities for foundations and slabs. Licensed environmental professionals conduct baseline assessments and audits to check for existing hazardous materials or contamination left by previous owners. Flood zone mapping provides up-to-date elevation and drainage details for the area. While these surveys, tests, and reports require upfront investments, they also mitigate nasty expensive surprises arising once projects get underway on site.
Conclusion
Selecting an appropriate location lays the entire groundwork for construction project success and long-term site functionality. Be sure to comprehensively evaluate potential sites across zoning restrictions, accessibility, infrastructure, surroundings, testing data, and expert guidance. Making an informed site choice requires research, analysis, due diligence, and specialist consultations upfront. While time-consuming initially, proper planning during the site selection process prevents a myriad of problems as building moves from concept to completion. Choose thoughtfully and avoid compromises that prove exponentially costlier down the road.