To return to the previous page, simply close this window.

Site Selection - More than just a Beauty Contest

by the Staff at Abraham Medical Dental, Copyright 2004
www.AMDdesign.com

When you realize that your present office is limiting your practice, it is time to consider a new office. This is often the only way to let your practice grow. Once you have made the decision, the first consideration is where. As realtors say, "location, location, location" is a key to the success of a business. This is very true, but the building site must also work for your project, or it can become a real problem.

     Before making the substantial investment required for property, take the time to fully investigate the following information.

  1. Zoning: The zoning of the property should include medical/dental practices. Consider the zoning of adjacent lots, also, as nearby Residential zones can affect your use of the site.
  2. Set-back requirements: Each city has different requirements for front, side and rear set-backs. These rules can substantially reduce the actual "buildable" area of even a generous lot.
  3. Parking requirements: Usually the codes require a certain amount of parking based on building size. Many cities have special requirements for the entrance drives, too. Parking and drives can take up a considerable amount of the site and cause complications in developing the lot.
  4. Utility Locations: Utilities must be readily available or you can incur considerable extra expense for running lines. The lack of any particular service, such as natural gas, can require changes in the building design.
     Other factors to consider in lot selection include.

     The topography, or slopes, grades and elevations of the site, can play a major factor in the design and the ultimate cost of the project. Difficult, steep slopes or low poorly drained spots will require extra site preparation and these situations can even rule out certain building designs. They can also limit the area of the lot available to meet parking or other codes. Existing soil conditions can also have a significant effect on the project. The building foundation and parking lot design will be determined to a large extent by the soil characteristics and bearing capacity. There are situations when soil conditions actually make construction prohibitively expensive.

     Easements give a legal right for certain specific uses of the property. Most often they provide access across the property for utilities such as power, water or sewer lines. Take these easements seriously since an easement gives someone else control of that part of the property.

     Restrictive Covenants are set up to control the direction of development in a certain area. They usually require a standard of quality or size in projects and can enhance property values, but they may also put restrictions on your project.

     Street or road access can make or break a project. Ease of access and visibility from the street are of prime importance. You can pay "big bucks" for real estate that is useless unless the proper entry ways are provided.

     Possible future uses for the property should be considered when planning the size lot to purchase. There is a possibility that you might add space to your building or even develop another structure for sale or lease. Extra land can also be planted to serve as a "buffer zone" for protection from an objectionable view.

     Cost of site development can be difficult to determine in advance. Retaining a site planner or landscape architect to do site analysis along with schematic layouts would be a wise move as these projections of development costs can be invaluable in negotiating a fair purchase price for the property.

     Often the site becomes a trade-off of good and bad. Steep slopes can be difficult, but they can also provide unique views. Heavily wooded lots can add clearing costs, but established trees are a priceless addition to any property value.