Types Of Land Surveys Needed For Construction Projects And How A Land Surveyor Conducts A Survey
Posted on: 20 January 2023
Many construction projects require a land survey before work can begin. Surveying is important for both large and small projects, and the type of survey needed depends on the type of project you're undertaking. Here's a look at common types of land surveys and how a land surveyor gathers their information.
Types Of Surveys Needed For Construction
The simplest survey is a boundary survey. This is done to verify property lines before doing things like putting up a fence or outbuilding on a property. The survey identifies and marks boundary lines and easement areas so you know where it's safe to build on the land.
A topographic survey may be needed by your architect and planners to learn about the features of a plot of land. This survey identifies natural and man-made features such as roads, buildings, streams, trees, and utility lines.
An ALTA survey is a common type of commercial survey used for gathering as much detail about a piece of property as possible. It gathers the same data as a boundary and topographic survey and also includes a detailed history of the land.
A new construction survey is needed when you're going to develop a parcel of land. It provides information about the land and parcel, such as horizontal and vertical grades and the position of features.
Methods A Land Surveyor Uses
A land surveyor uses a variety of tools depending on the type of survey they're doing. The tools can take measurements of land and buildings. However, you usually need much more information about the land for your project besides just the boundary, setback, and easement locations.
Much of the work of a land survey is research. This may involve interviewing people and digging through old property records. Surveys are thorough so the risk of a mistake or overlooking something is low. For instance, a survey may uncover an agreement for land rights you know nothing about but is essential to know before buying or building something on the land.
Another important part of the land surveyor's job is to create reports and documents to add to your property record or to pass on to a mortgage lender. You'll have these documents to refer to when you plan your project and to hold on to for future renovations and additions.
Since land surveys for construction can be very detailed, it could take a long time to get the final results. If your parcel of land is large or complicated, taking measurements could take days of work. The research phase could take weeks, and preparing the reports may also take weeks, so it's important to understand the time frame needed so you can work that into your plans for the development or purchase of a property.
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