Regional Appropriateness
Feasibility considerations will also pertain to the geographic region where your project is located. Characteristics of the region, such as susceptibility to natural disasters, environmental specificities, or typical construction practices, will affect the feasibility of certain building technologies. For instance, if the building is in an area that is prone to flooding, a pier foundation rather than a basement foundation is likely to be a more practical, durable, and resilient choice.
High Hazard Areas
In areas where risks are very high, the building code will specify more stringent construction requirements for new construction, whether it is a new building or an addition. For replacements or renovations, the more stringent requirements may apply if the component or assembly in question is addressed by a particular code provision. For instance, replacement of roof underlayment or shingles in high wind areas will require additional fasteners and closer spacing of fasteners, whether directly specified by the code or specified in manufacturer installation instructions. Be sure to check with your design professional or code official regarding any special provisions or severe risks that apply in your region.
Even if your project is not in one of the high-hazard areas designated by the building code, you may want to consider the specified materials or construction practices that are recommended when a moderate risk is present. As an example, the International wildland-urban interface (WUI) code has mapped regions of the country where the risk of wildfire is high; the code requires fire-resistant materials and provides construction details for new construction in these locations. Yet, in recent years, a number of large and very serious wildfires have occurred in areas not specifically identified on the map. Given the property losses that have occurred, it may be wise to incorporate more fire-resistant construction practices if your project is located in an area where you believe the risk may be high.
Market Acceptance
In some cases the appearance of a product, or the perception of that product may be positive in a certain region and negative in a different region. For example, the exterior cladding used on a home or building (stucco, vinyl siding, fiber cement, cedar, and stone veneer) often varies greatly from region to region. In some cases, this variation is because of performance issues. In other cases, the reason is more because of aesthetics and market perception. Keep in mind that a product may perform well, but would not be consistent with the vernacular of the local community. If a certain type of exterior cladding is not accepted in your region, it may affect your ability to attract tenants or sell a home.