A land survey is a study of a piece of property that is conducted through a mix of taking measurements and observations at a property and searching through public records to find information about the property and the area around it.

There are many situations that call for a land survey. For example, if you attempt to buy a piece of land, develop your property, or refinance your mortgage, a land survey could be critical. Property investments are often significant. A land survey can help you make sure that you are using your money wisely.

Defining Land Surveys

There are many different types of land surveys. The information contained in these surveys can vary. However, you will often find that a land survey includes information on:

• The boundaries of a piece of property
• The topography of the land
• Where utilities are located
• Environmental features that affect the property
• Where you can build on the land
• Any easements that other parties have on the land

A land surveyor will gather this information through a physical survey of the property, combined with extensive research into public records.

When a Land Survey Is Needed

In some situations, you do not have a choice on whether or not to hire a land surveyor. For example, mortgage lenders and title companies often require a new land survey for many actions.

When a land survey is not strictly required, it does not necessarily mean that you should not get one. A land survey can provide you with all the information you need about a piece of land to make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Typical situations where you might want to consider hiring a land surveyor include when:

• Purchasing property
• Building upon your land
• Involved in a boundary dispute

Purchasing Property

Purchasing property is a significant investment. People often say that investing in land is always a smart move. However, if you buy a property that you can’t use, it is a great way to lose a lot of money.

Many problems can be uncovered in a land survey. The best way to ensure you are spending your money wisely is to order a survey of the property. If any issues are revealed, you can either continue your search or negotiate a lower price, depending on how complicating the problem is to your plans for the land.

Building Upon Your Land

Another time you should think about hiring a land surveying company is if you are planning to build on your property. A property survey can be helpful both when you are building a new structure and when you are expanding upon an existing one. If a problem is uncovered after you begin building, you could have to halt construction.

You may not be able to complete your project as planned, and if you were building an addition to your home, you could be left with a big hole in the side of your house. By getting the land surveyed before you begin, you can avoid many unwanted surprises.

Involved in a Boundary Dispute

Another time when a land survey can really come in handy is when you are involved in a boundary dispute with a neighbor. A boundary survey can help settle the issue by clearly defining the border of your property. If your neighbor has filed a lawsuit, you can submit a boundary dispute as evidence in court.

How Much Does a Land Survey Cost?

There is no set cost for a land survey. Instead, many factors must be considered before a land surveyor can give you an accurate estimate of the cost. Things taken into consideration include:

• The size of the property
• Where the land is located
• The terrain
• What type of land survey you require

Once a land surveyor has assessed these factors, they should be able to provide you with an accurate quote.

What Are the Different Types of Land Surveys?

Depending on your situation, there are a variety of land surveys that a land surveyor could perform. Common land surveys include:

• Boundary surveys
• ALTA/NSPS surveys
• Construction surveys
• Location surveys
• Topographic surveys
• Site-planning surveys
• Subdivision surveys

A land surveyor will ask questions regarding why you are requesting a land survey and then advise you of what type of survey is most appropriate. In addition, they can inform you of all the information that will be contained in your survey and make sure you are both on the same page before they begin.

How Long Does a Land Survey Take to Complete?

There is a lot of work that goes into a land survey. Between taking measurements at the property and searching through all relevant public documents, it can easily take two weeks or more to complete a land survey.

In order to not overly delay your land development project, it is recommended that you hire a land surveying company as soon as you are aware that you will require a survey.

Get a Free Quote for a Land Survey Today

A land survey can make all the difference when buying property or developing your land. If you require a land survey, reach out to the experienced team at Scalice Land Surveying. We use the latest technology to ensure that our clients get a thorough and accurate survey of their property.

Contact us today by phone or through our online contact form to get a free quote.