Before developing a floor plan, most future custom homeowners go through feasibility tests so builders and owners can assess whether a desired lot can support the home they want to build.
A pre‑feasibility checklist helps narrow down lots to one or two strong candidates before you invest in full feasibility, with the goal of finding land that can realistically support your forever home—not just a spec home that does not meet all your requirements.
Once you find one or two lots you like, you can begin researching them against your desired plan. It can also help to review guides to the best neighborhoods in Seattle for families and the best neighborhoods in Bellevue, WA .
How to do your own pre‑feasibility on a lot
Start by identifying a prospective lot, then use this checklist to narrow options until you have one or two properties worth deeper feasibility work.
Along the way, you will answer questions about neighborhood fit, schools, zoning, utilities, and the physical characteristics of the lot.
1. Drive by the lot
First, visit the lot in person, since online listings rarely capture what a neighborhood feels like throughout the day.
Consider commute times, neighborhood character and privacy, traffic patterns, noise, and how weather might affect the area.
2. Look up nearby school districts
If schools are important to you, research the local district early. The platform GreatSchools.org lists schools in your area and shows ratings, test scores, and parent reviews.
3. Use GIS / iMaps for size, critical areas, and utilities
Most jurisdictions on the Eastside provide online GIS tools that show parcel boundaries, critical areas, and sometimes utilities.
Helpful starting points include:
- King County iMap: https://kingcounty.gov/services/gis/Maps/imap.aspx
- Bellevue GIS: https://cobgis.maps.arcgis.com/… and land use code: Bellevue Land Use Code 20.20.010
- Redmond GIS: https://gis.redmond.gov/uv/ and residential regulations: Redmond Zoning Code 21.08.050
- Kirkland GIS: https://maps.kirklandwa.gov/Html5Viewer/ and residential zone chapters: Chapter 15 – Low Density Residential , Chapter 20 – Medium Density Residential , Chapter 25 – High Density Residential
- Renton GIS: https://maps.rentonwa.gov/Html5viewer/Index.html?viewer=CORmaps and residential standards: Section 4‑2‑110A
- Bothell GIS: https://gismaps.bothellwa.gov/H5/… and area/dimension standards: Bothell Municipal Code 12.14.030
If the property is outside city limits, you will typically need to contact the relevant utility districts directly to confirm availability and connection options.
4. Assess lot dimensions and setbacks
In tools like King County iMap, compare the lot’s shape and dimensions with your ideal floor plan or a reference footprint. If you do not yet have a plan, you can use an example from monsefdesign.com or review Atera’s guide on how to build a custom home .
As a general guide, many single‑family zones have front and rear setbacks around 20 feet and total side setbacks around 15 feet, with at least 5 feet on any one side. Always confirm exact numbers in the local code.
5. Send the lot in for review
Once a lot looks promising on location, schools, utilities, and dimensions, share the property information with the Atera team so it can be reviewed from a construction and zoning standpoint.
6. Write an offer with feasibility contingency time
A feasibility contingency gives you a defined period after going under contract to investigate the property and back out if it does not prove feasible.
With the help of Tuyen or your agent, you can write an offer that includes a reasonable feasibility period so the land can be studied in more depth before you fully commit.
Specific questions to ask yourself
As you work through the pre‑feasibility checklist, ask:
- Will your lifestyle fit well with the neighborhood?
- How far is the lot from stores, restaurants, and work?
- Are there likely future developments (commercial or otherwise) that could affect you?
- How close are fire and police services?
- Are there nearby uses that create noise, odors, or traffic?
- Are there environmental factors to consider (wetlands, slopes, flood areas)?
- What are the local school options, teacher‑to‑student ratios, and routes?
- Does the lot have, or can it get, approvals for utilities such as septic if needed?
- Is the lot flat, gently sloped, or steep—and how will that affect design and cost?
- Is there adequate access for construction equipment?
- What zoning regulations apply, and are your plans compatible?
- Could neighbors’ zoning rights impact your experience?
- What are estimated property taxes and insurance costs?
Having clear answers to these questions makes the full feasibility process more efficient and helps you move forward with more confidence.