If you are looking to buy land or a section to build on, there are several features to consider before you even think about the design, the orientation and the layout of your new home.

Understanding the features you have to work with is the first step.  It is useful to have the following two reports on the land before beginning planning, especially the survey.

  • A geographical survey will give you the contour lines.
  • A geotechnical soil report will highlight the stability of  the soil.

Below are some points in relation to the section to consider:

  • The potential for overshadowing from neighbouring trees or buildings.
  • Juvenile trees and shrubs that may potentially affect your new home.
  • How the neighbours live in their section to ensure you are able to gain maximum privacy for yourself.
  • Noise pollution on the site.
  • Native vegetation – Councils have  regulations regarding the protection of trees and bush so it pays to check out the rules if you are considering using a chainsaw.
  • Identify protected trees – a Resource Consent must be granted if you wish to build, alter the ground or carry out other works within the root zone of a protected tree.
  • Existing hedging or planting that could be useful wind protection.
  • Investigate the geology and topography of the site for potential problems such as soil slip or flooding.  A geo- tech report is good for this.
  • Identify any natural site drainage patterns and determine how they can be maintained.  Steeper sites usually generate more stormwater run-off.
  • Boundaries – there are rules that determine how close to the boundary you may build (check these out with your  local council).
  • Height to boundary – check out your council rules so you know how high you can build.