Easements are a very import items to consider.  Most properties has an easement of some type.  Most are utility easements which allows your local utility company access to your property to fix repair etc. their electrical lines, telephone lines, sewer lines etc.  These can be found on your parcel map which in most cases can be found at the local court house.

You can usually get a copy (for a “fee” of course) and it is always a good idea to have before you start your design.  Some types of easements can be detrimental to your project and if you are not careful you could design something on top of them that can not be built.  This goes along with what I was talking about in departments, dry runs are always a good idea.

They say the devil is in the details and this part is incredibly important, more money is lost in this phase than in any other. It’s funny really if you do your homework there will be no problems, but people try to skip this most important part believe me I have seen this way to many times.