Property Development: Understanding the Different Types of Land Surveys
Land surveying is a critical process if you are thinking about purchasing and developing a new piece of property. As implied, this practice involves the application of different technical methods to perform measurements on the pertinent plot of land. In general, there are numerous reasons why potential property developers and investors might want to perform this assessment. Consequently, there are various types of land surveys designed to suit specific needs. Here are the main forms of land surveys to consider using before proceeding with your property development plans.
Boundary Survey
As implied, a boundary survey is ideal for identifying the primary boundaries of ownership for a specific lot or plot. It is not uncommon for the actual boundary between two pieces of property to become blurred, especially when there is no dividing fence to mark it out. However, this can cause problems in the future. For example, if you construct a building partially on the neighbour's land, they could take legal action, forcing you to take down the structure. Basically, the boundary survey investigation will help you ensure that the established boundaries by the former owner are accurate. The process might involve physical measurement and triangulation as well as study of recorded deeds.
Construction Survey
Construction surveying is an important aspect of land survey for property developers. This tool is highly beneficial from the initial planning of the project to the actual construction of structures and long-term maintenance. Typically, the process begins with assessment of the different aspects of the site, including topography and existing structures. The information obtained will be utilised in creating a site plan for the pertinent construction project.
As the building and development process continues, different forms of construction survey will be performed. The as-built process is a survey which is conducted periodically to ensure that the new development is following the site plan. Foundation surveys may be carried out by civil engineers to ensure that the building is established in the right position.
Subdivision Survey
If you are thinking about subdividing your property as part of your development project, you should ensure that a pertinent survey is conducted. Simply speaking, subdivision involves sectioning a large tract of land into several smaller lots. This process sounds simple and direct, but it can be relatively complicated. In simple terms, there are minimum lot sizes imposed by the authorities, depending on the zoning. Moreover, any subdivision must be reported to the appropriate regional land authorities for recording. Therefore, you must engage an experience surveyor for professional guidance.
