A Reserve homesite should be evaluated against the home you intend to build. Community branding and gross acreage do not establish that a particular plan will fit or that a desired shoreline improvement can be approved. Bring the current architectural materials, survey and site information to your designer and builder early.
Test the Site
Locate the usable building area.
Survey, slope and access
Identify boundaries, easements, setbacks, drainage and the proposed driveway. Have qualified professionals assess grading, retaining work and the position of the house and outdoor spaces. A view-oriented design can require different site work from a plan chosen before seeing the lot.
Infrastructure and shoreline
Confirm utilities and any septic requirements for the proposed use. For waterfront land, obtain current shoreline and dock information and discuss planned structures with the responsible authority. An existing neighboring dock does not establish approval for your site.
Understand the Review Process
Use the current rules for this parcel.
Design requirements
Request the applicable architectural standards, submission requirements, fees, deposits and review sequence. Ask how exterior materials, landscape plans and construction logistics are evaluated. Avoid comparing the Reserve with another community by an unsupported claim that one board is always stricter.
Builder and scheduling
Confirm any builder requirements and obtain a realistic schedule that identifies design, approvals, site work and construction. Ask what could change the critical path. There is no defensible community-wide promise that every project takes twenty-four to thirty-six months.
Price the Finished Project
Keep the land price in perspective.
Complete budget
Include land, design, surveys and studies, approvals, site preparation, utilities, construction, financing and carrying costs. Separate quoted items from allowances and unresolved work. Establish a contingency with the project team based on the actual uncertainties.
Compare an existing home
Use the same room, finish and ownership requirements when comparing a building project with a Reserve resale. Include renovation needs and occupancy timing for the existing home. David can help organize available properties using the new-versus-resale guide.
Sources for Planning
Reviewed September 27, 2026. Check the applicable current information for your situation.
Old Edwards Reserve official community information
Old Edwards Reserve official community information
South Carolina septic permitting
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions buyers and sellers ask David first.
Does architectural approval establish all required permits?
No. Community design review and government or shoreline approvals are separate processes. Confirm each applicable requirement.
Can I price a Reserve build from the lot asking price alone?
No. Evaluate the complete project, including site work, infrastructure, design, approvals and carrying costs.