Who assesses construction feasibility?

Construction feasibility assessment is the process of evaluating whether a construction project can be executed successfully on a given land parcel, considering factors such as technical viability, legal compliance, financial potential, environmental impact, and infrastructure support. This assessment is conducted by a combination of experts, consultants, and authorities, each addressing specific aspects of feasibility.

1. Architects and Urban Planners

• Architects evaluate:
  
  • Site suitability
    
  • Layout design
    
  • Zoning compliance
    
  • Usability of built-up area based on FAR/FSI limits
    
• Urban planners contribute to:
  
  • Integration with surrounding land use
    
  • Density analysis
    
  • Urban aesthetic and space optimization
    

2. Structural and Civil Engineers

• Assess:
  
  • Load-bearing capacity of soil and proposed structure
    
  • Foundation design and safety
    
  • Structural design feasibility for multistory or industrial buildings
    
• Conduct site-specific geotechnical investigations and provide inputs for construction method selection.
  

3. Project Management Consultants (PMCs)

• Provide an overall technical, operational, and cost feasibility report.
  
• Coordinate among architectural, structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and environmental experts.
  
• Evaluate the project schedule, logistics, materials sourcing, labor management, and regulatory milestones.
  

4. Legal and Regulatory Consultants

• Review:
  
  • Title deed and ownership status
    
  • Zoning and land use classifications
    
  • Building bye-laws
    
  • Need for land conversion certificates
    
• Verify that the project is permitted by the master plan, building regulations, and environmental norms.
  

5. Local Municipal and Development Authorities

• Assess and approve:
  
  • Building plans and layout proposals
    
  • Height restrictions, setbacks, and parking norms
    
  • Service infrastructure alignment (water, sewerage, roads, stormwater drains)
    
• Their approval is mandatory before initiating any construction.
  

6. Soil Testing and Geo-Technical Agencies

• Conduct soil testing, topography analysis, and water table studies.
  
• Determine if the land can support:
  
  • High-rise construction
    
  • Heavy industrial structures
    
  • Underground infrastructure like basements or tanks
    

7. Environmental and Sustainability Consultants

• Evaluate:
  
  • Environmental impact of the project
    
  • Need for clearances from Pollution Control Board or Environmental Ministry
    
  • Feasibility of incorporating green building norms, water harvesting, and energy-efficient design
    

8. Cost Consultants or Quantity Surveyors (QS)

• Analyze:
  
  • Estimated construction cost
    
  • Material and labor cost trends
    
  • Cash flow projections
    
• Help assess whether the project is financially viable, considering prevailing market rates and developer margins.
  

9. Financial Advisors or Bank Appraisers

• Evaluate the return on investment (ROI) and project viability for loan purposes.
  
• For projects seeking construction finance, banks often appoint:
  
  • Valuation professionals
    
  • Project risk analysts
    
  • Chartered engineers
    

10. Real Estate Market Analysts

• Conduct feasibility studies based on:
  
  • Demand-supply dynamics
    
  • Location-based pricing trends
    
  • Absorption rates for residential, commercial, or mixed-use units
    
• Offer insights into what type of project is marketable and profitable at that site.