Feasibility study for your plot or building

When a feasibility study is useful

A study helps when you face a specific decision about a plot or building. We focus the investigation on your question and the information you need for your next step.

Assess a plot before buying

What development appears possible in principle? We review the relevant information and identify foreseeable risks before you make an investment decision. Our guide to buying a plot (in German) explains other important checks. Discuss contractual and legal questions with the appropriate specialists.

Explore a renovation or extension

We examine which changes to an existing building may be possible and how they fit your space requirements, everyday life and budget framework. Our page on renovation and extension (in German) explains subsequent design stages.

Investigate adding a storey

We consider the planning constraints and identifiable building conditions for creating additional living space. Where documents or an initial site visit cannot provide sufficient information, we identify further investigations. An in-depth structural assessment is not automatically included in the study.

Understand new-build potential

We examine possible uses and building volumes within the relevant constraints. Different approaches can be compared where appropriate. Before starting, we agree which economic considerations are included and where additional specialists are required.

Which information we investigate

Zoning, regulations and the plot

We review the planning information relevant to the proposal. This may include zoning, municipal building regulations, boundary distances, building heights and permitted development measures. The applicable requirements depend on the canton, municipality, plot and project.

The cadastre of public-law restrictions on landownership (PLR cadastre), land register documents and existing plans provide different information. We record open questions and apparent inconsistencies and clarify them with the relevant authority where necessary. Our guide to development potential (in German) explains these sources.

Access, terrain and the existing building

Vehicle access, parking, utility connections and topography influence how a plot can be used. Existing buildings also require consideration of floor plans, circulation and identifiable structural conditions. We assess opportunities and limitations within the agreed scope.

Volume, use and design approaches

We develop the agreed spatial approaches on this basis. These may include different building volumes, distributions of uses, or options for renovation and extension. We assess the options investigated against your needs, the site and the identifiable constraints. Multiple options are not automatically part of every commission.

What you receive

You receive an informed basis for decisions. Depending on the agreed scope, this may include:

• Background information: A summary of the documents, planning constraints and assumptions reviewed.
• Building opportunities: Initial volume and use options, identifiable limitations, and relevant questions about access and parking.
• Spatial approaches: Schematic drawings or volume studies at the agreed level of detail.
• Comparison of options: An assessment of the options investigated, where agreed.
• Opportunities and risks: Important open questions, necessary specialist investigations and remaining uncertainties.
• Next steps: Recommendations for the subsequent project stages.

Before the commission begins, we agree which investigations, drawings and outcomes form part of the feasibility study. Further specialist investigations, design services and planning permission procedures are included only if expressly agreed.

If initial guidance on the costs or programme of your building proposal is part of the commission, we state its assumptions and uncertainties. An early study replaces neither detailed cost planning nor contractors’ quotations. The indicative fees above relate to the feasibility study, not to subsequent construction work.

How a feasibility study works

01 – Enquiry and initial conversation

You describe your proposal. Together, we clarify the starting point, questions and objectives. We agree the scope, fee and timeframe before starting.

02 – Review the background information

We examine available documents, relevant planning constraints and key requirements. We identify missing information and any need for further investigation.

03 – Investigate the possibilities

We examine the building potential and develop alternative approaches or options where appropriate. The depth of investigation and drawings depend on the agreed commission; third-party specialist investigations are not automatically included.

04 – Discuss the findings

We explain the results, highlight opportunities and risks, and discuss useful next steps. These may include further investigation, preliminary design or subsequent project design. The study may also show that an approach should be adjusted or not pursued for the time being.

Enquire about a feasibility study

Initial assessment, detailed study and an authority’s decision

An initial planning assessment helps define the question and the required scope of investigation. It is based on the information available at that point.

A detailed feasibility study examines the agreed information and design approaches in a transparent way. It provides a basis for subsequent decisions and normally does not replace a complete building design project.

Binding decisions by authorities are made through the appropriate procedure. A study and informal advice do not pre-empt those decisions. Even a carefully investigated option therefore carries no guarantee of planning permission.

Useful information for your enquiry

Tell us the municipality, address or plot number, and briefly describe your proposal. Which decision are you preparing to make?

Where available, site plans, existing building drawings, photographs, property documents and previous investigations are useful. You do not need a complete dossier for an initial enquiry. Together, we establish which missing information is needed for the investigation.

Our architectural services and project stages explain how we may support subsequent work. Our practice is based in Wildhaus in the Toggenburg region. For projects in the canton of St. Gallen and elsewhere, we adapt the investigation to the local conditions.