If you’re planning to buy a house, knowing the important details about the land it sits on is necessary. You need to know every single detail and legal description of the property. However, finding these details on your own is not possible without the help of a professional. For this reason, you should think of hiring a property surveyor to perform a detailed land survey.
Sipping a property survey is a big mistake when saving a few dollars. If you look at a property survey’s benefits, you’ll notice that they outweigh the costs. You might feel confident that everything is fine with the property, but you can never be sure. A land survey is the best decision you’ll ever make to avoid future headaches such as boundary disputes. It will clearly show the property’s boundaries, the lot size, and the property description to know if you truly get what you are paying for. So, before we look at the reasons for conducting a land survey, we must understand what it means.
What is a Land Survey?
A land survey, also known as a property survey, involves outlining a land’s legal boundaries and other features to develop a graphic depiction of a property, similar to a map. Professional property surveyors use the latest technology, such as GPS and altimeter, to determine the exact dimensions and property elevation. Now that you know what a property survey means, let’s quickly move to why every home buyer should protect their investment with a property survey.
1. Boundary Lines
Buying a property is a big investment. You need to know the exact location of boundary lines and other lines of occupancy or possession. The boundary line certification will establish whether the legal description of the property is accurate. This will help you in the future if you need to build a fence or make any structural changes.
2. Eliminates Disputes over Boundary Lines
With the help of accurate information about boundary lines and other distinctions of possession, you can avoid boundary disputes. A land survey is instrumental when there’s a disagreement over where one person’s property ends and another’s begins. A detailed property survey will prevent disputes over erecting a fence or constructing a driveway.
3. Zoning Classification
Maybe you’re already aware of the zoning classification, but there might also be some restrictions. A certified land survey will reveal zoning classifications and tell if there are any specific restrictions on how you can use the property. The survey will determine whether the property is zoned for residential or light industrial use. It is the best way to ensure the land is used following the zoning ordinances.
4. Details on Underground Cables & Drains
You can easily find poles and above-ground wires, but what about the underground cables and drains? A comprehensive land survey will reveal details about the underground drains, water, electricity, gas, telephone lines, and other wires and cables. This information is crucial because a utility company may have the right to use a portion of your property to maintain utility lines.
