Site Feasibility
Is the property worth taking further?
We start with three practical questions: is there a suitable place to build, can construction reach it, and are there site conditions that could significantly affect the design or budget?
Is there a practical place to build?
A large backyard does not automatically mean there is a suitable building area. We look at the space that remains after setbacks, services, existing structures and other property constraints are considered.
The important question is not how large the backyard looks, but how much usable building space remains.- Backyard dimensions and shape
- Required setbacks from boundaries
- Existing home, sheds and other structures
- Easements and underground services
- Flood, vegetation and other property constraints
- Space for parking and private open space, where required
Can the site be reached and built efficiently?
A workable building area still needs a practical construction route. Machinery, materials, concrete and trades must be able to reach the backyard without making the project unnecessarily difficult or disruptive.
Finding space for the building is only one part of the assessment. We also need a workable way to build it.- Clear access width and height
- Gates, fences, eaves and other obstructions
- Trees, branches and overhead services
- Road access and delivery conditions
- Space for unloading, storage and machinery
- Impact on the existing home during construction
What could change the design or budget?
Some site conditions do not prevent a granny flat from being built, but they can change the foundations, drainage, service connections, construction method or amount of external work required.
The aim is to identify these issues early, before they become unexpected costs later in the project.- Slope, level changes and soil conditions
- Retaining work or more complex foundations
- Stormwater and site drainage requirements
- Distance to sewer, water and power connections
- Service protection or relocation
- Demolition, clearing and manual material handling