Architectural Site Analysis Services
We know that starting a new construction project can be a big expense whether you're looking to develop a property or update your home. We offer site research and analysis services separate from our design services so that clients can make informed decisions before they go forward. Project research services are valuable when considering purchasing a property or when you are beginning to think about adding living space to your home or property.
When is Site Analysis Applicable?
Sometimes clients come to us knowing exactly what they want. More often they come to us knowing that they need to do something, but they are not sure exactly what. We offer tiered services to suit these differing needs.
Tier 1 - $200 - Includes a site walk-through and discussion of the scope, pertinent codes, estimated permit fees, potential pitfalls, and similar that are readily visible without measurements. This is the best option to help clients who are early in their process and want to figure out what project scope will work best for them.
Tier 2 - $500 - Includes a site walk-through and discussion of the scope, taking of rough key measurements, and generation of a written summary of pertinent codes, estimated permit fees, and potential pitfalls for the project. This is the best fit for clients who know what they want and want to be confident in the project's viability before starting design, for clients who are weighing options and want a thorough evaluation of them, or for people buying or selling property who want to know about development limitations or resolve code violations.
Tier 3 - $1,500 - Includes a site walk-through and discussion of the scope, full detailed site survey, generation of as-built drawings and 3D, and a written summary of pertinent codes, estimated permit fees, and potential pitfalls for the project. This tier is typically what we call Phase 1 of our projects and is usually a best fit for major site developments.
Case Study 1: What Can I Build?
This client came to us with a problem and in search of a design solution. She needs a place for her aging parents to stay when she comes to visit, but wasn’t sure if an addition, basement conversion, or garage conversion would work best for her budget and her parents mobility needs. We recommended Tier 1 to help guide her to a project brief that makes sense for her needs.
At the site visit, we evaluated the home, garage, basement and property by sight and some basic measurements and determined that the basement head height would make it hard to convert. We also were able to determine that the house addition would be expensive since in their case it would require significant remodeling in their kitchen. We were able to determine that the garage was the best option for their needs, and we were able to advise that it would likely be allowable per zoning regulation based on their zone.
Now the clients have a project brief that they can use to get ballpark quotes from contractors based on construction type and square feet. When they have that information they can budget and plan for their future project.
Case Study 2: Can I Build An ADU?
Our client came to us knowing that she wanted a detached ADU but wanted to make sure she had all the information she needed before investing her time and money in the design of the project. We advised that Tier 2 was the best fit, so we began by meeting on site to discuss the project goals and take some cursory measurements. On site we didn't see any red flags for the backyard ADU so it wasn’t necessary to advise on potential other ways to get an ADU, pivot to a studio, or advise about more realistic project goals.
After the site visit, we completed a full site research report including reviews for zoning, permit history, building codes, utility information, and procedural requirements. We used this information to prepare a site plan showing a general size and location of the new ADU. The result of the report is a project brief where the parameters are municipal costs are all laid out. Now our client has everything she needs to make a decision about her investment.
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We love working with homeowners, commercial properties, landscapes, realtors and more. Contact us to talk about your site analysis project.