There are other choices and decisions beyond the design and planning activities that will have a considerable impact on budget and the other elements of the Triangle.  Perhaps the biggest item on this list for new home construction is site selection and development.  It is very common for clients to approach Timberdale with a project idea after the site decision has been made.  In fact, often the emotional connection with a particular site drives the inspiration for a major construction project.  It should be obvious that as the largest single project expense, the site decision will have a big impact on budget.  Assuming constrained financial resources, every dollar spent on the land and site development costs is a dollar less that can be spent on the building itself.

About two years ago a couple from New York approached me with a new home project to be built on a beautiful wooded lot they had purchased in Redding, CT.  The odd-shaped lot had some great views, interesting topography and a stream.  The couple envisioned a home that could house their three children and a guest suite to accommodate frequently visiting guests and family (5 bedrooms.)  Of course the view demanded a dramatic timber framed great room as the living core of the house.  As the initial discussion evolved it became apparent that the couple had not adequately investigated site development costs.  

 A visit to the property revealed that access to the building site required significant road and utility infrastructure, with some likely wetland disturbances.  The town of Redding has very strict land development and wetland codes, which the town enforces vigorously. The building site itself was challenging with a steep grade to the view site with evidence of significant ledge.  It became clear that the site development cost would compromise the couple's preliminary budget target for the house resulting in either a down-scaling in size or some trade-offs in the quality of the building (the timber frame may have to go!)  Ultimately the project was put on hold until the couple could accumulate the resources to deal with the added costs.  For them, the required trade-offs were not acceptable.

The point is that site selection should not be separated from collaboration with a knowledgeable design and building professional in the early design and planning stages. The site impacts virtually every element of the Trade-off Triangle.  It impacts budget, as discussed, and quality (availability of sunlight, views, etc.) and often the size and shape of the building.  So, it seems obvious that the site decision should not be made in isolation of the other design-related choices.  But it often is.