An architect must check zoning regulations relative to distance to property line in order to place the house legally permissible.

Then he/she should check orientation relative to solar exposure.

dcarch

Thanks dcarch - We have several acres and our county has very few hoops to jump through. This is just more of a way for us to figure out what would be best for our needs overall.

I certainly hope so...our architect was critical in home siting and driveway design as well as lot lines and presented to the zoning committee for us as we needed a variance....further the home design incorporated the views on the property...we have a pond view from every window in the house....

Thanks Annie - I was just unsure of what to expect and also unsure of what to bring with me to the meeting. I will be sure to take a satellite view of the property with our measurements then. :)

Tammy, every successful house design by an architect begins with the site, site analysis, and truly "growing" the early concepts, and full design from the site. A house and its site are one.

Be cautious about any design, designer and architect that has no interest in your property. This is one of the primary liabilities with stock plans and tract housing--no consideration of site at all.

Good luck with your project.

Site information that the architect relies upon (surveys, etc.) will be your responsibility.

Thank you!

Tammy-I know you are going with an architect so it's a bit different as we went with a house designer but this was our experience in case it helps. We ended up interviewing 2 home designers and one said he never went to a home site and the other said most definitely he likes to see the site first.........one of the reasons we hands down chose him.

We had our first informal meeting yesterday out at our property. He took pictures, asked for a site plan and a rough idea of our home expectations (sq. footage, ranch/2 story, daylight basement, etc.) before our first sit down meeting. We told him what we were thinking as far as placement and he gave his opinion about it in regards to basement windows and fill and what his first impression was on how he envisioned it would sit...which did not match what we envisioned. We are now having the excavator come out and check elevation for us and give a rough idea of fill cost so we can make a somewhat informed decision. Either way, I am so glad he came out!!!

At the meeting we will bring along some inspiration photos of elevations, etc - we are gathering those now.

It's exciting! Good luck!

Thank you Autumn - That does sound nice! This is a free consultation so we will see what happens. It is good to see what others are doing though so I know what types of things to look for. :)

Tammy, I agree you should not select a designer/Architect who will not consider the location/site. We met with three Architects/designers and the first interview we did was at the property. Only after we talked to all three of them at the property and listening to there idea's did we decide to go with one.

Good luck.

We also went with a designer who insisted on seeing the site which is one of the reasons we chose him over others. We are building in the country and it sounds similar to your situation where there are many, many variables in site selection; views, trees, solar, slope, neighbors, driveway/access, topography, etc. We are still working on the plans, but so far the designer, excavator, and builder all have helped us on the best placement of driveway/access, home, and outbuilding. Take your time and ask a lot of questions. It's tempting in the excitement to rush. Good luck!

Great info guys! I appreciate all the feedback. Even though we are not meeting at the property I still feel good about him because of the questions he asked on the phone. Of course we'll see how it goes. :)

Tammy-I should have clarified - first 'free' consultation was at his office. After we decided on him our first 'meeting' was at the property which after that discussion solidified in our minds that he is definitely the right person for us. It sounds similar to your situation. There are a lot of variables to consider even though it's exciting to just get started already!

Also, the architect should :

1. Architect should study survey to be aware of possible underground utilities

2. Architect should ask for a percolation test if a septic field is required.

3. Architect should ask for test borings if a basement is needed. This will avoid expensive excavation due to rocky subsoil conditions.

4, Architect should be familiar with authorities' ground water engineering requirements, if required.

dcarch

Thanks dcarch. :)

We just got back from the consult. He was super nice and helpful! Especially considering he was getting paid nothing for the consult.

He basically told us that we had everything in order and almost finished. One of the plans we showed him was so close he referred us to a person that does design work that he said would do a good job for us in a timely manner and within budget.

After he told us this we thanked him and told him we would respect his time and get out of his hair but he continued to chat with us and gave us tips on how to find a good builder, site stuff and placement of the house. He was familiar with the area so that was nice as well.

What is the best way to locate a good architect/designer. I am in the huntsville AL area and I find zero feedback searching the web?

For architect referrals you may contact the nearest office of The American Institute of Architects.

Good luck with your project.