Pre-Construction Planning

Surveys and Zoning Requirements
Surveys are the starting point for every homebuilding process.  A lot survey to determine corners and property lines is essential.  Also, a topographical survey is necessary to determine the existing conditions of your lot.  Both the lot and topographical surveys enables us to identify the lot and determine the site characteristics and provide the basis for the zoning and site work.  The information helps determine the scope of the plot/site plan and grading plan.  Once the exact lot is determined, we can investigate all the zoning requirements which include: allowable lot coverage, setbacks, and building height requirements.  We will use all the information to determine what size home that can be built on your home site.

Soil Investigation and Engineering
Prior to designing the foundation for any home, the existing soil characteristics below the surface should be investigated.  The investigation is necessary to determine the soil type, existing conditions, and soil strength that determine the grading and building designs.  Once the soil investigations are completed, the geotechnical engineering design determines the soil bearing capacity and defines the grading requirements.  The foundation and grading will then be designed from the geotechnical engineering design.

Select Home Design
This is the fun part and the possibilities are limitless.  You will either browse through our existing home designs or partner company’s catalogues or work from your own ideas, to select the best possible design for new residence.  Our Personal Builders will help you customize your home as necessary to meet your requirements.  We guarantee that you will thoroughly enjoy the experience of designing your new Pacific Legacy Home.

Water Well and Septic Design
If public water and/or sanitary sewer systems are not available for your lot, then a water well and septic system designs will be required.  These designs must be approved by the local jurisdictions.  Additional soil investigation may be required.

Grading and Plot Plans
The plot/site plan and grading plans are developed to determine the actual location of your new home.  The plans include proposed finish grades, location of water well/septic system (if applicable), driveway, and other site improvements.  The utility companies will be contacted to determine the existing location of utilities and coordinate and plan the services (such as gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone, and cable television) to your new home.

Building Permit Approvals
We will coordinate with the local Planning Agency after a preliminary plot/site and grading plans are complete to ensure the proposed project complies will all zoning criteria and that no additional approvals or variances are needed to obtain the building permits.  Finally, we will compile all the information from the previous steps and submit the entire package to the local building authority for plan review and approval.  We will also coordinate with the additional agencies and obtain their approval, as required.