Assess your needs and expectations

Whether you are investing in a property to develop as a business or financial opportunity, or to fulfil your personal needs, it is essential that you assess and qualify your needs and expectations at the outset. Consider the following when drawing up a brief:

• Current needs – list rooms or areas required and allocate sizes to them.
• Use and Function – how should the building be divided for leasing or how should it function for your personal use. (Open areas or separate divided spaces; inside/outside relation).
• Site development – access and parking on the property. Outside use. (Pool and entertainment area).
• Future needs – should it cater for future growth and possible expansion.
• Measure your brief against the site limitations and your budget.