Feasibility Study

When choosing to build or design a new house there are many things to consider however the most testing problem, for most people is finding the right plot in the first place! We have always believed that finding the perfect location is more important than the plot itself. The best plots of land have already been snapped up and any that haven’t is usually because there is a very good reason why nobody has already built there.

Attention to Detail:

An architectural feasibility study is a crucial, early-stage analysis of a proposed building project. It determines if the project is realistic and worth pursuing before significant time and money are invested. Architects conduct these studies to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of a project's viability from an architectural, financial and regulatory perspective. An RIBA Architect will take into account all aspects of the site - the sunrise and sunset positions are obviously important but if your site doesn’t lend itself to designing a building to suit the sunrise insomuch that the sun might stream into your bedroom in the morning but when you look out of your window you are staring at next door’s gable end and your bathroom has sea views, then aligning the bedroom with the sunrise isn’t necessarily the best option. Although we will carry out a feasibility study if instructed, we will take into account what you want from your new dream home and listen to your requirements. The study identifies potential opportunities, risks and challenges, helping to ensure the project aligns with your goals and is achievable within the given constraints. We can provide this service at a fraction of the cost of an RIBA architect. Whether it be an extension, garage or new dwelling we will give you a good idea of your chances of gaining a planning approval. You should be aware that dedicated planning specialists will mostly be more negative about your chances as they need to keep their success rate high in gaining approvals so they won’t necessarily want to take on the work if they think they’ll get a refusal. Architects tend to be over confident of the chances of getting an approval as they get paid regardless and usually take a percentage of the cost to build. At Albion Oak we will give you an honest opinion an your prospects.

Key Components

Architectural feasibility studies typically include several key components that provide a holistic view of the project's viability. On garages and extensions this is a very simple process and relatively easy to determine your chances of gaining approval. New dwellings are more complicated and require much more analysis. We can create basic sketch designs of the type of property you require and advise on whether to apply for a pre app to find out if your ideas are likely to be favourable to the local authority. This can even done before you decide to purchase the site. • Site Analysis: This is a detailed evaluation of the property's physical characteristics. It assesses the site's topography, access, environmental factors and existing structures. The analysis also considers utilities, neighbouring properties and any potential physical limitations or advantages of the location. • Regulatory Review: This component involves a deep dive into local, state and national regulations. The team reviews zoning ordinances, building codes and environmental laws that could impact the project. This step is critical for identifying potential legal hurdles and ensuring the project can gain necessary approvals and permits. • Financial Assessment: This analysis determines the project's economic viability. The team provides a preliminary estimate of the costs, including land acquisition, construction, permits and long-term operational and maintenance expenses. This is often compared against projected revenue or value to determine if the project is financially sound. • Design Evaluation: The study assesses the initial design concepts to ensure they are practical and meet the project's functional and aesthetic goals. It explores different design alternatives and outlines the potential for development in terms of building height, size and layout. This provides you with an early visual representation and helps refine the project scope. • Risk Analysis: This element systematically identifies and evaluates potential risks, such as unexpected site conditions (e.g., soil contamination), market fluctuations, or construction delays. The study proposes mitigation strategies to address these risks, helping to protect the client's investment.

How the Study is Conducted

The process of conducting an architectural feasibility study is a collaborative and investigative one. • Initial Consultation: The process begins with the architect and client discussing the project's vision, objectives and budget. The architect works to understand the client's goals and the underlying assumptions of the project. • Research and Data Collection: We conduct extensive research, which includes a desktop study to review planning history, local planning policies and comparable projects. This is supplemented by a physical site visit to assess the property's specific conditions. • Analysis and Design Exploration: Based on the collected data, we analyse the opportunities and constraints and then develop preliminary design sketches and massing studies (basic 3D models) to explore different options for the site. • Reporting: The findings are compiled into a comprehensive report. This document presents a summary of the research, a breakdown of the key findings and a discussion of the project's viability. The report often includes sketch designs, cost estimates and a recommended path forward, empowering you to make a well- informed decision.

Finished Result

Assuming planning is approved, you are then free to get quotes to build your property - alternatively if you wish to enter into an agreement for Albion Oak to be the designated supplier we will deduct the cost of the feasibility study from your building costs.

Equinox

Sunrise Summer Solstice

Sunset Summer Solstice

Sunset Winter Solstice

Sunrise Winter Solstice

Attention to Detail:

We have always believed that finding the perfect location is more important than the plot itself. The best plots of land have already been snapped up and any that haven’t is usually because there is a very good reason why nobody has already built there. An architectural feasibility study is a crucial, early-stage analysis of a proposed building project. It determines if the project is realistic and worth pursuing before significant time and money are invested. Architects conduct these studies to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of a project's viability from an architectural, financial and regulatory perspective. An RIBA Architect will take into account all aspects of the site - the sunrise and sunset positions are obviously important but if your site doesn’t lend itself to designing a building to suit the sunrise insomuch that the sun might stream into your bedroom in the morning but when you look out of your window you are staring at next door’s gable end and your bathroom has sea views, then aligning the bedroom with the sunrise isn’t necessarily the best option. Although we will carry out a feasibility study if instructed, we will take into account what you want from your new dream home and listen to your requirements. The study identifies potential opportunities, risks and challenges, helping to ensure the project aligns with your goals and is achievable within the given constraints. We can provide this service at a fraction of the cost of an RIBA architect. Whether it be an extension, garage or new dwelling we will give you a good idea of your chances of gaining a planning approval. You should be aware that dedicated planning specialists will mostly be more negative about your chances as they need to keep their success rate high in gaining approvals so they won’t necessarily want to take on the work if they think they’ll get a refusal. Architects tend to be over confident of the chances of getting an approval as they get paid regardless and usually take a percentage of the cost to build. At Albion Oak we will give you an honest opinion an your prospects.

Key Components

How the Study is Conducted

Finished Result

Feasibility Study

When choosing to build or design a new house there are many things to consider however the most testing problem, for most people is finding the right plot in the first place!

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