The most important design decisions are made before you own the land. A good site walk tells you what a plot will allow, what it will cost and what it will feel like to live there.
Follow the sun
Note where the sun rises and sets, and where the shadows of neighbouring trees and buildings fall in winter. Living spaces want south light; a plot that only offers it over the road will shape the whole plan.
Look at the ground
Slopes, standing water, rock and old fill all change foundation costs. Ask for any existing survey and soil report, and walk the site after heavy rain if you can.
Check the rules
Zoning setbacks, height limits, easements and covenants decide how much of the plot you can actually use. A one-hour feasibility check with an architect is far cheaper than buying the wrong plot.
