The Pre-Design Phase / Site Planning

Conducting Site Planning

"A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there." – H. Stanley Judd

Site planning involves organizing and arranging the various elements of your building site to create a functional, visually appealing, and sustainable living environment. A well-thought-out site plan considers the natural features of the land, as well as your needs and preferences, to make the most of your property's potential.

For a new build, this is the stage where you take a deeper dive into the details after conducting a site analysis. You'll want to start thinking about the ideal location of the home on the site taking into account factors that you discovered during Site Analysis (things like topography, views, solar orientation, privacy, and drainage). For a renovation, you'll need to think about how the planned changes will fit into and possibly change the existing site. Here's a few things to keep in mind. We'll discuss these further in the sections ahead.

Building orientation

The orientation of your home on the site can have a significant impact on its energy efficiency, natural lighting, and overall comfort. Consider factors such as the path of the sun, prevailing winds, and the location of views when determining the best orientation for your home.

Setbacks and zoning

Familiarize yourself with local zoning regulations and setback requirements to ensure your home complies with these rules. You'l recall that setbacks dictate the distance between your home and property boundaries, and zoning regulations may affect the size, height, and other aspects of your custom home. This becomes more important as you start to think about where your home will be on the land and we'll dive into more detail in this chapter.

Utilities and infrastructure

Plan for the location and installation of utilities, such as water, sewer, electricity, and gas lines. Ensure you have easy access to these essential services, and consider any potential obstacles or challenges during the installation process.

Driveways and access

Design your driveway and access points with convenience and safety in mind. Consider factors like the slope, curvature, and width of the driveway, as well as the location of parking and garage spaces.

Landscaping and outdoor spaces

Plan for the integration of landscaping and outdoor living spaces, such as gardens, patios, and decks, into your overall site plan. These elements can enhance your home's aesthetic appeal and create functional, enjoyable spaces for relaxation and entertainment.

A comprehensive site planning process helps ensure your custom home is designed and built to suit your property's unique characteristics and your specific needs. By carefully considering site analysis, building orientation, setbacks and zoning, utilities and infrastructure, driveways and access, and landscaping and outdoor spaces, you can create a home that is functional, comfortable, and visually appealing.

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Building Orientation