What is a Feasibility Study?
What is a Feasibility Study?
A feasibility report is a detailed study of a single property using either the APN number, also known as the Parcel Number, or the physical address if one is already assigned to the property. Specifically, the report is designed to answer the following questions:
- What is the exact information identifying the parcel? (i.e. Parcel Number, Zoning, Size of Lot, Tract Number, etc.)
- Is the zoning of the property suitable for a manufactured home?
- What is the condition of the lot? Is it suitable for building?
- What are the setback requirements for building on the parcel?
- What is the maximum lot coverage of the parcel?
- How many structures does the parcel allow? What kind of structures?
- Does the parcel allow for a manufactured home?
- Are there utilities on the lot? If not, how close to the lot do they exist?
- What utilities are available for the lot?
- If certain utilities are not available, what are the options to replace standard utilities?
- Does the parcel fall under the City or County jurisdiction?
- Are there specific codes or regulations from the City or County in which the parcel resides?
- Is there access for a manufactured home to be delivered to the lot?
- Will the manufactured home need to be craned in, or can it be delivered using a truck and tractor?
- What is the maximum size of manufactured home that can be put on the lot?
- Are there any limitations to accomplishing the clients’ goals?
Feasibility reports for manufactured homes are a comprehensive, deep dive into researching all and any information regarding the specific parcel that would assist the owner in deciding whether their goal of placing a new manufactured home on the lot is possible. The report also identifies the ability of the owner to add garages, ADUs, pools, landscaping, patio covers, walls, and just about anything the owner may want to add to the property. The feasibility report will also identify possible uses of the parcel, including things like agriculture, livestock, kennels, or commercial uses.
We are often asked: why pay for a feasibility study? The answer is simple. If you are considering investing tens of thousands of dollars, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, into a property, with specific goals in mind for the property, investing a little money upfront to make smart, informed decisions could save you thousands of dollars in the future. It may even keep you from making a costly mistake.
When researching the information needed to write a feasibility report, one needs to check all possible City, County, and State codes, regulations, and laws that may apply to any given parcel. The information can be difficult to find, hard to understand, and often needs cross-reference from multiple sources. Many times, the authoritative body sends you to third-party sources and often it includes the need to use GIS mapping software.
Although a feasibility study can be done by the owner for free, we highly recommend having one of our professionals perform the feasibility study applying both our expertise in researching the needed information and the know-how regarding the manufactured home industry.
Our studies come with a budget proposal showing an estimated cost to achieve the owner’s desired scope of work. Although it is not an exact cost of the project, it is an educated estimate based on years of experience and it allows the owner to make a more informed decision on their project moving forward.
We will also include in our reports all local utility companies for gas, electricity, water, waste, and trash services. If some of these utility companies are not available, either because of proximity or due to cost, we will provide local propane, septic, and water hauling companies’ information as well.
Besides the daunting task of figuring out all the parameters needed to know regarding the parcel, Custom Living Homes will also assist the owner in partnering with the right professionals that will be needed to complete a plan package worthy of submitting to the City or County for permit and approvals. This includes Civil Engineers, Soil Engineers, Surveyors, Structural Engineers, and Architects.
