There are many physical, geographical, geological and topographical conditions that need to be taken into account when evaluating different building sites or determining the best location and design for a timber frame home on your property.

The following list details most of the important considerations. 

• How far is paved or suitable gravel road from building site?

• Is there any reason supply truck, etc., could not drive to the proposed building site? (Such as: no road, bad road, narrow road, steep road, streams, weak bridges, trees, low wires, etc.).

• Are property lines clearly defined with survey monuments or stakes?

• Is building site envelope (area within all established set-backs, easements, etc.) satisfactory to pursue building?

• Are there any natural wind breaks? (trees, rocks, slopes, etc.)

• Is the building site in a flood zone? (Check with local officials and agencies.)

• Are there any wetlands, rock out-cropping, trees, bushes, etc. in the area of the building site that would need to be saved or removed?

• What is the degree of slope at building site, at parking, at road, etc.?

• Are there any specific desirable/undesirable views from the building site?

• What are the general land assets:
  Geographic assets to temper weather extremes; rock or cave overhangs, bluffs, trees, rise/slopes, wind generation, etc.
  Rock for foundation, finish, landscaping.
  Trees for windbreaks, shading, privacy, etc.
  Wood for heating/building materials/etc.
  Ponds, lakes, streams, etc.
  Soil quality: garden, landscaping, etc.