Step 1 (of many) - the CAD

We don't know the entire process we'll have to go through to actually build a house (though we're learning quickly), but do know that step 1 is doing our CAD (Critical Areas Designation). We have wetlands on the property and need to get them delineated (flagged) and categorized so we know what the buffer is so we don't plan to build too close to said wetlands.

This entire process was a bit of a mystery to us, but here's how we did it (not to say this is easiest or most effective, but just happened to work for us).

1) Before we closed, we engaged a wetlands consultant to walk the property and verify that the wetlands that we knew about were the only wetlands around. He came, he bushwhacked, he verified. He even drew us a nice little map. ($500)

2) After we closed, we applied for our CAD with the county. At the time we applied, the county thought the backlog was about 3 months, so they told us to apply, then while we were waiting in line, we could get the consultant to do the delineation and habitat study.

3) While in the county queue, we got another wetlands consultant. The original guy we had was going to charge us $3600 for the delineation, habitat study and report, so we decided to shop around. We had bids that were all over the place - from $900 to $6000 with no appreciable difference - what??? We went with the $1900 guy. He came, he delineated, he wrote a report. And he only charged us $1400 because it took him less time than expected (this is likely the only time ever that something will be cheaper than we originally thought).

4) Once we were through the queue (it actually only took about 6 weeks), the county guy did a site visit, verified the delineation and report and then approved our CAD.

 Step 1?  Complete. Steps 2 through 1,421,392, here we come!