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The First step to building your dream home

The Importance of a Feasibility Study Before Building in Thurston County

Home construction beginning following a feasibility study

Hey there, future home builders! Let me tell you, building a home on the West Side of Washington, especially in Thurston County, is not for the faint of heart. There are so many things you need to be aware of before you even think about breaking ground. That’s where a feasibility study comes in – and trust me, you don’t want to skip this crucial step!

What is a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is essentially a detailed analysis of your property and the potential challenges you may face when building your dream home. It takes into account factors such as:

  • Zoning regulations
  • Environmental constraints
  • Utility connections
  • Access to public services
  • Construction costs

By conducting a feasibility study early on, you can avoid costly surprises down the road and ensure that your building plans are actually viable.

Homes setback from shoreline

Why is Thurston County Unique?

Now, let’s talk about Thurston County specifically. This area has some additional items that the rest of the state doesn’t have, which can make building a home even more complex. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

If you’re building within city limits, you need to fully understand the costs for connecting to water, sewer, and power. If your property is at the end of a street or in an area that’s not up to current codes, you may be required to put in a cul-de-sac or a T-shaped turnaround for firetrucks. And if a sewer line isn’t close by, you could be looking at ALL sorts of additional costs to connect to the city sewer system.

Even if your entire street has no sidewalks, you may still be expected to provide the cost for sidewalks to the “general fund” or be the only one on the block with a sidewalk in front of your home. Permits can also be shockingly expensive, so be prepared for sticker shock.

The Mazama Pocket Gopher in Thurston County, Washington Believe it or not, Thurston County is home to the federally protected Mazama Pocket Gopher. Rules have recently changed, but if your property is in prairie soils where these little critters thrive, you may need to conduct a seasonal study or pay into a fund for their protection.

If you’re building within city limits, you need to fully understand the costs for connecting to water, sewer, and power. If your property is at the end of a street or in an area that’s not up to current codes, you may be required to put in a cul-de-sac or a T-shaped turnaround for firetrucks. And if a sewer line isn’t close by, you could be looking at ALL sorts of additional costs to connect to the city sewer system.

Other Important Considerations

In addition to the unique challenges of building in Thurston County, there are a few other key factors to consider before starting construction.
Home General Contractors discussing a feasibility study
ConsiderationWhy It Matters
SurveyYou'll want to know exactly where your property lines are, not just guesstimate. Your footprint is crucial when it comes to drilling for wells and installing septic systems, which need to be at least 100' away from each other.
ContractorResearch and choose a reputable, experienced contractor before buying your property. A knowledgeable broker can help guide you through this process.
Recreational LotsBe cautious of purchasing a property that may only be suitable for recreational use, where you can sit and drink coffee from your lawn chair but not actually build your dream home.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Feasibility Studies

Vacant Land Ready for development
What is a feasibility study in real estate, and why is it important?

A feasibility study in real estate is an analysis of a proposed project to determine its viability. It takes into account factors such as market conditions, zoning regulations, environmental constraints, and financial projections. A feasibility study is crucial because it helps investors and developers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

The key components of a real estate feasibility study include:

  • Market analysis
  • Site analysis
  • Legal and regulatory analysis
  • Financial analysis
  • Risk assessment
The cost of a real estate feasibility study varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. On average, a study can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more.
The timeline for a feasibility study depends on the scope of the project and the availability of data. A typical study can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete.

The main benefits of conducting a feasibility study include:

  • Identifying potential challenges and opportunities
  • Minimizing financial risk
  • Optimizing project design and planning
  • Securing financing and investment
  • Ensuring regulatory compliance

Some red flags that a feasibility study might reveal include:

  • Unfavorable market conditions
  • Zoning or regulatory restrictions
  • Environmental hazards
  • Insufficient demand or oversupply
  • High development costs or low profitability
Yes, a feasibility study can help determine the highest and best use for a particular piece of land by analyzing factors such as market demand, zoning regulations, and physical characteristics of the site.

The main differences between feasibility studies for residential and commercial projects include:

  • Different market drivers and demand factors
  • Unique zoning and regulatory requirements
  • Distinct financing and investment considerations
  • Varied construction and design needs

Professionals involved in conducting a real estate feasibility study may include:

  • Market analysts
  • Land use planners
  • Architects and engineers
  • Environmental consultants
  • Financial analysts
  • Legal experts
A feasibility study can help secure financing by providing lenders and investors with a detailed analysis of the project’s potential risks and returns. It demonstrates the developer’s due diligence and helps build confidence in the project’s viability.

The Bottom Line

Building a home in Thurston County, Washington is an adventure that requires careful planning and expert guidance. By conducting a feasibility study early on and working with a knowledgeable broker and established contractor, you can navigate the unique challenges of this area and bring your dream home to life.

Don’t rush into a quick decision or get stuck with a property that doesn’t meet your needs. Take the time to do your due diligence, and you’ll be rewarded with a home that exceeds your expectations. Happy building!

Have Questions? Get in Touch with our Team Today.