Part of the building process involves regular site assessments by Maui County. The County will perform multiple assessments during the course of the construction and will make an assessment based on the degree of completion as of December 31 for the next year’s tax bill. The finished structure will then be assessed after completion for its full value.
Although one reason for a site assessment is tax assessment, it is not the only one. Another reason is to evaluate the land where a home will be built. This site inspection checklist is especially important in Maui, where environmental issues are a top concern.
Components of a Homeowner Site Assessment
A site inspection checklist includes multiple areas of assessment, including:
- Topography–Assess the slope of the land, the potential for grading issues, and how the house will be positioned to maximize views and drainage.
- Soil conditions—Analyze the soil type and stability to determine the best foundation design and if any soil stabilization measures are needed.
- Drainage—Identifying natural drainage patterns and potential areas for water accumulation, and planning proper drainage solutions.
- Utility lines—Locating existing utility lines like power, water, sewer, and gas to avoid conflicts during construction.
- Zoning restrictions—Checking local zoning regulations to ensure the proposed house design complies with building codes.
- Environmental factors—Examining potential environmental concerns like wetlands, floodplains, or hazardous materials on the site.
- Property boundaries—Accurately surveying the property lines to determine the optimal placement of the house.
Having a homeowner site assessment reduces the risks of complications later, such as issues related to utility access, drainage, and soil stability. The assessment also allows for an optimized design for the site’s conditions, leading to cost savings later when there are no surprises during the construction phase that require mitigation.
Who Would Perform a Homeowner Site Assessment?
These are normally performed by an architect, a builder, a professional surveyor, or a geotechnical engineer (for assessment of soil conditions and advice on the type of foundation necessary.) You can discuss the site inspection checklist with them ahead of time.
You can find more information about Maui’s property tax assessment here, and visit their web page for the Real Property Assessment Division here.
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When you’re ready to begin building a house in Maui, remodel one, or add to your home or commercial property, Pro Draft is ready to help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, and permits, and to answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
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