Are you gearing up to make some much-needed property renovations? If the answer is yes, you’re not the only one. CNBC reports that home remodeling projects like property remodeling, renovation, and new construction are up 58%. But you’ll need to know where to start.
Before you break ground on your next development, consult with your local Brookhaven land surveyors. A land surveying team makes it easier to create safe construction designs that do not exceed property lines. You’ll have the site plan you need to get started confidently.
Land Surveying for New Property Owners
Before purchasing a new property in New York state, a land survey is required. This will allow both the seller and buyer to know the plot’s correct size, acreage, and dimensions. The most effective way to do this is by partnering with a local land surveying team.
A land surveyor defines a parcel’s boundary lines, corners, and acreage. Certain states, including New York, require residents to hire a land surveyor before purchasing a house or empty lot.
Boundary Surveying
A licensed land surveyor in Brookhaven can determine your parcel’s exterior and define its property lines. The process involves knowledge of local land laws, mathematics, and how to operate specialized surveying equipment.
The surveyor creates a detailed property sketch to outline the plot’s total dimensions and structural improvements. Professionals ensure the finalized draft aligns with the plot’s legal definition stated in the property deed.
Property Line Staking
As a new property owner, it is essential to understand where your lot ends, and the next one begins. Property line staking prevents you from accidentally building structures on neighboring plots. Likewise, the stakes also stop surrounding landowners from encroaching on your estate.
During the property staking process, a land surveyor marks all property corners with wooden or metal pins. Property staking is ideal for new homeowners who want to add structural improvements like rooflines, fences, and driveways close to their property line.
Property Surveying in High-Risk Flood Areas
Land in high-risk flood zones require elevation certificates to obtain flood insurance. If your Suffolk County property has a high flood risk, let your local land surveying team assist.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) uses elevation certificates to:
- Review elevation data to ensure the property adheres to community floodplain management ordinances
- Determine correct flood insurance rates
- Support requests for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
An experienced land surveyor in Brookhaven identifies the plot’s lowest elevation point, location and flood zone, and building characteristics to create an elevation certificate. Property owners provide completed certificates to flood insurance companies to obtain policy quotes.
Plot Surveying for New Construction Projects
It is crucial to plan and implement construction processes carefully. Skipping steps, ignoring potential problems, and making design errors can create costly mistakes that extend project timelines. Data shows workers spend 3.9 hours fixing unnecessary construction mistakes every week.
A professional land surveyor helps you avoid expensive production problems. By completing detailed and accurate topography maps, site plans, and construction staking, surveyors ensure land development projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Topography Mapping
A topographic land survey is more comprehensive than a property boundary survey because it outlines a plot’s elevation levels. The report identifies base elevation points, contour lines, and the height, size, location, and depth of property features.
Local municipalities often require topography reports when performing new construction. In addition, civil engineers, builders, and architects use data from topographic surveys to establish construction designs.
Site Plan Development
Site plans create a clear overview of a plot and its structural elements. They allow professionals to determine suitable construction blueprints for property improvements.
Local building permits require property owners to submit site plans when demolishing, adding, or renovating structures on their estate. Using the site plan, officials can determine if the proposed construction:
- Falls within existing authoritative regulations
- Complies with zoning ordinances
- Involves unsuitable land use
Construction Staking
Construction staking helps contractors safely develop roads, buildings, fences, electrical units, and streets. It is a necessary step in the construction process.
Land surveyors in Brookhaven perform construction staking surveys to ensure their work aligns with architectural or engineering plans. A surveyor will use development plans to place stakes in areas where the new structures are going.
Land Surveying for Title and Mortgage Processes
Title companies and mortgage lenders require commercial properties to submit ALTA/NSPS land title surveys when refinancing a plot or exchanging land ownership. The surveys provide property data that the agencies use to assess risks, such as:
- Encroachments
- Easements
- Zoning or building code violations
A surveyor will visit the commercial property and perform outside research to ensure the report includes the necessary data.
Determining Brookhaven Land Surveying Costs
Land surveying costs vary between properties. However, the most significant factor contributing to property survey rates is time. The more time a professional spends researching, gathering fieldwork, and analyzing data, the higher the survey cost. Other factors that impact land survey prices include:
- Plot size
- Foliage and land type (rough or unmanaged terrain makes fieldwork more difficult)
- Time of the year (cold weather increases survey time)
- Amount of outside research required
If you need a land survey in Brookhaven, our team can provide a free estimate.
Partner with Qualified Land Surveyors in Brookhaven
There are many reasons why you might need to find a land surveyor in Brookhaven. And when you do, Scalice Land Surveying is a one phone call away.
Contact our team to learn more about the services we provide Suffolk County residential and commercial property owners. With over 20 years of expertise, you can rely on our team to handle your land surveying needs.