Property development
Property development: checking feasibility before committing
A property scheme is won or lost at the outset. When the first figures arrive after commitment, all that remains is to note the gap.
What a feasibility study must establish
- The potential of the site: what can be built, renovated or transformed.
- Project hypotheses tested against the economic objectives of the client (project owner).
- A first cost estimate, structured by CFC so that it can be compared later.
- Several options, with their financial impact: renovate, build, sell.
Constraints to build in from the outset
Cantonal energy requirements, the availability of subsidies, changes in construction prices and permit lead times all feed into the financial plan. Ignore them at this stage and you will find them again later as variation orders.
Modelling before building
A project that is modelled and costed before it is built allows choices to be tested at low cost: a change costs one click on the model, not a site variation order. That is the role of our cost database, used from the very first options.
Deciding with full knowledge of the facts
The aim is not to say yes to every project, but to know before signing whether the operation holds up. A study never commits you to entrusting us with construction management: its purpose is to inform a decision.
Key takeawayCosted feasibility is the point at which a mistake costs least: it is better to spend time on it before committing.
Sources
- SIA – Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects
- CRB – Construction cost classification (CFC)
- Canton of Vaud – Energy law for owners
The information is summarised as at the date of publication. Always check the text or scale currently in force before deciding.