Our team is comprised of licensed, trained real estate professionals and knowledgeable land developers who can see things that will affect the building long before construction begins. When we walk a potential build site, we provide useful information to assist you during the decision-making process – even when you are at the pre-purchase stage.

The comprehensive GIS services often make it possible for us to integrate the acquisition of property with due diligence, feasibility studies, and all additional steps required for development. The result is to accelerate the pace and efficiency of those initial steps in the custom build process.

Our due diligence process includes all the testing, legal permits, studies, impact evaluations, and other services necessary in order to determine whether or not the site can be used for your custom build project.

Over the years, GIS International has worked on a large number of utility and services-related projects, so we are able to provide authoritative guidance when it comes to planning for utilities. While this may seem like a formality, you’d be surprised at how often we offer alternatives to the typical or standard approach. These unique methods are a result of thorough, boots-on-the-ground, due diligence work and the insights we gain from our findings. We have to first establish whether the site has current connections to the local utilities. If not, then we have to determine the additional costs related to acquiring access and work these into our overall budget. As we test and survey your site, GIS determines the ideal method of delivering power, water, septic, etc. to the location. Once we identify and agree upon the best way to provide these services, we work with local utility companies and involve them in the planning process. This initial step in the planning process is fundamental – it can severely change or restrict your design. These factors also have a huge implication on cost, the long-term health/safety of your building, and its imprint on the surrounding area.

In order to properly prepare a site, GIS first tests the soil. This helps determine the ideal building location and gives us an idea of what will be required to build a lasting foundation on your particular property. We’ll perform detailed assessments and then align our building methods to work in tandem with the natural surroundings. Onsite impact analysis gives us the best information as to how we can blend the topography with your new build. The effect on the environment is minimized, and you benefit from the beauty around you.

The GIS method and philosophy enable our buildings to be in harmony with areas designated as Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitats. This element is particularly important because many areas surrounding Seattle have protected native plant species and wildlife habitats. Building in certain locations could potentially affect fish, streams, and wetlands…all considerations that might impact your desired build site. We are often able to achieve a symbiotic relationship with the terrain because we do not remove or build over what already exists there, but instead seek to preserve streams, forests, trees, and wetlands as well as the natural habitats, native species, and native vegetation. Using sustainable building principles and their expertise on Entitlements and Government Approvals, the GIS team is known for working cohesively with the environment.