A feasibility study is a short, early-stage look at a property and a proposed project. It helps answer a basic question: before investing in a full design, what might this lot and budget reasonably allow? It is not a finished set of plans, a permit approval, or a fixed construction price.
At Fold Architecture, every project begins with a paid, two-hour feasibility study. The purpose is to look at the site, the client’s goals, and the budget together, then identify the important constraints and open questions.
Bring goals and budget assumptions
Useful preparation starts with describing how you want to live in the finished home. For a renovation, point out what is not working and what you hope to change. For an ADU or new house, explain who the home is for, what spaces matter most, and what should remain on the property.
Bring the budget you are working with, even if it is a range. An early conversation is more useful when it includes a candid number than when it starts with a design that has not been tested against cost. If you have a survey, existing plans, or information about past work on the property, those can help, but they do not replace checking the site and applicable requirements.
Review the site and its constraints
The study considers zoning and setbacks, along with the basic conditions that shape a project. Those details can affect where a building fits, how much area may be possible, and what questions need further investigation. For an existing house, the current layout and likely scope of change matter as well.
Feasibility is not just a yes-or-no answer. A property may support the main idea, but only with a smaller footprint, a different placement, or a revised scope. It may also reveal that a desired outcome is unlikely to fit the budget. Finding that out early gives you a chance to adjust before spending more time on detailed design.
Understand the cost estimate’s limits
The study includes a rough construction cost. Treat it as an early planning estimate based on the information available and the scope being discussed, not as a bid or guaranteed final cost. Detailed design, further site information, contractor pricing, and construction conditions can change the picture.
You should leave with a clearer sense of what appears possible, what may need more research, and which decisions are worth making next. If you are considering a Portland home project, get in touch to request a paid feasibility study.