Land development projects are tremendous undertakings that can come with significant price tags. Whether you are purchasing land or developing land you already own, you want to make sure there are no major surprises. Having a piece of land surveyed is the best way to ensure that you have a full understanding of your options regarding the property.
At Scalice Land Surveying, we combine years of experience with the latest technology to give our clients the necessary tools to make informed decisions. We can provide you with a free quote on your land survey. That will help you decide whether or not your plans for a piece of land are feasible.
Land Surveys Explained
Land surveys come in a variety of forms. The specifics of any one particular survey depend on the purpose for which it will be used. While the details can vary, many surveys include:
- Defining the boundaries of the property
- Showing the topography of the land
- Denoting the location of utilities
A land survey will typically inform you of where you can build, any environmental features that affect your property, and whether there are any easements on your land.
The Many Types of Land Surveys
There are a variety of land survey types that all have their unique purposes. If you are in need of a land survey, it is important to ensure that you receive a survey that satisfies your situation. Depending on your purpose for hiring a land surveyor, you could need a(n):
- Boundary Surveys: Boundary surveys are the most common type of land survey. They are used to help map out the boundaries of a parcel of land.
- ALTA/NSPS Surveys: These surveys are often required by insurers.
- Construction Surveys: Construction surveys help in identifying where you can build on a piece of land.
- Location Surveys: Location surveys are needed if you are applying for a zoning permit.
- Site-Planning Surveys: These surveys are required when applying for a building permit.
- Topographic Surveys: Topographic surveys are used to locate vertical features on a piece of property.
- Subdivision Surveys: These surveys are essential when dividing a piece of land into separate parcels.
When to Hire a Land Surveyor
Land surveys are necessary when taking many of the actions listed in the previous section. However, even when a land survey is not strictly required, having one performed can still potentially save you a lot of time and money in many situations. It is recommended that you have a land survey performed, whenever you are:
- Purchasing new property
- Building on property you own
- Involved in a boundary dispute
Purchasing New Property
For most people, buying property signifies a huge investment. Whatever your plans for the property you are considering purchasing, it is critical to know as much about the land as possible. Otherwise, you could easily face an unexpected complication that makes your investment worthless.
Mortgage lenders often require that a land survey be performed before they will approve your loan. However, even if this is not the case in your situation, it is always in your best interest to protect yourself from a bad investment.
Building on Property You Own
Whether building a new structure or expanding upon an existing one, you should first have your land surveyed. A land survey can identify the location of utilities, any faults in the terrain, and the boundaries of your property. This knowledge can help ensure that your construction dreams line up with the possibilities presented by reality.
Involved in a Boundary Dispute
A boundary dispute can throw a wrench into your plans and lead to significant delays. If you are in the wrong, you could even discover that your whole project has to be scrapped. By getting your property surveyed before getting started, you can help settle a boundary dispute before it begins.
If a dispute with a neighbor has already gone to court, a boundary survey could be used as evidence at trial.
The Cost of Hiring an Asheville Land Surveyor
Many things must be considered when calculating the cost of a land survey. Before you can get an accurate quote, the survey company must first determine:
- The type of land survey you require
- The size of the land needing to be surveyed
- The value of the land
- Where the property is located
Whatever the price, it will typically always be cheaper to have your land professionally surveyed, than to face the cost of a complication that arises from foregoing this process.
When Will My Land Survey Be Complete?
You should always hire a land surveying company as soon as you know that you are going to need this service. Completion of a land survey can often take two weeks or more. Land surveys require not only a physical survey of the property but also extensive research of the land in question and the surrounding area.
You can save time by hiring a land surveyor early, so they can get to work while you hammer out other details of your project.
A Land Survey Company in Asheville, North Carolina
It is essential to hire a land surveyor with experience and a history of customer satisfaction. An improperly conducted survey can have disastrous consequences and cost you greatly. At Scalice Land Surveying, we combine experience with the latest technology to provide you with a survey containing all the information you need about a piece of land without costly errors.
Once your land survey has been completed, we can provide you with both a physical and digital copy. Contact us today by phone or through our website to get started with a free quote.