Feasibility studies for construction projects
Contents |
[edit] What are feasibility studies?
Feasibility studies are preliminary investigations undertaken in the very early stage of a project to assess whether the project is viable. They tend to be carried out when a project is relatively large or complex, or where there is some doubt or controversy regarding the proposed development.
[edit] What is the purpose of feasibility studies?
The purpose of feasibility studies is to:
- Establish whether the project is viable.
- Help identify a range of feasible options.
- Begin the process of preparing other project documentation such as a clarifying the business need, formulating a business case, scoping a project execution plan and strategic brief and so on.
[edit] What might a feasibility study include?
On large, complex or controversial projects, there may be a number of different feasibility studies carried out for different aspects of the project, for different purposes, or for different possible solutions. These might require different skills, and could consider issues such as:
- The likelihood and ease of obtaining planning permission.
- The likelihood that an environmental impact assessment will be required.
- Other legal/statutory approvals that might be required.
- Analysis of the budget relative to client requirements.
- Assessment of the potential to re-use existing facilities or doing nothing rather than building new facilities.
- Assessment of any existing site information that is available.
- Initial site appraisals, including geotechnical studies, assessment of any contamination, availability of services, uses of adjoining land, easements and restrictive covenants, environmental impact, and so on.
- Considering different solutions to accessing potential sites.
- Analysis of accommodation that might be included or excluded.
- Assessment of the possible juxtaposition of accommodation.
- The preparation of basic stacking diagrams.
- Assessing operational and maintenance issues.
- Appraisal of servicing strategies.
- Programme considerations.
- Procurement options.
Feasibility studies are not part of the design process, they are assessments of viability, potential opportunities and constraints.
Various stakeholders, statutory authorities and other third parties may need to be consulted in the preparation and assessment of feasibility studies. The assessments carried out should be presented in a structured way so the client can decide whether or not to proceed to the next stage. Wherever possible, any information prepared or obtained should be in a format which can be readily shared and used, and should be stored and named in a way consistent with the long-term project and operational needs.
[edit] What happens after feasibility studies?
After assessing the feasibility studies, the client will decide whether to proceed to the next stage and if so, which options should be developed in more detail. Ideally there will be no more than four options at this stage. If more options exist it may be necessary to carry out further high-level studies before proceeding to more detailed options appraisals.
Options appraisals assess and compare a number of potential options before developing a concept design for the preferred option. Options appraisals might include diagrammatic options studies that enable the client to understand the broad pros and cons of the available options so that a preferred option can be selected.
For more information see: Options appraisals.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Briefing documents.
- Business case.
- Client requirements.
- Concept.
- Concept design.
- Constraints.
- Development appraisal.
- Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Options review report.
- Planning permission.
- Site appraisals.
- Site information.
- Spatial diagram.
- Stacking diagram.
- Statutory approvals.
- Strategic brief.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Comments
To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above.
Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.