How to set up a parking area by the building: step by step

Step 1: find out who owns the land. First you need to know who owns the land under and around the building. Everything else depends on this.

Step 2: assess the space. How many spots can realistically fit, where the footpath stays, and how the bin truck and emergency vehicles get in.

Step 3: decide together. Building a parking area is a shared-ownership matter and needs a decision from the owners.

Step 4: approvals. Depending on the scope, you may need a design and approval from the municipality. Surfacing, drainage and lighting are usually handled as one project.

Step 5: construction. Base layer, surfacing, markings, signage.

Step 6: order after construction. Agree from the start on how spots are allocated and what to do about visitors.

Practical tip. Before starting the project, count the cars in the yard one evening. The real number is often different from what people assume.