Buying a home, building a new business or planning an upcoming construction project all require the services of a registered land surveyor. Having a land survey conducted by a professional is an integral step for every homeowner, buyer and project manager. The surveyor follows a detailed routine while using their knowledge and expertise to determine the property lines and identify any existing features or pre-existing structures. Having a professional conduct a land survey before construction begins or the deed is signed can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Without it, you could find yourself accidentally building on a neighbor’s property or cheated out of your own land.
Land surveying is an incredibly detailed and technical process that requires precise measurements and state-of-the-art techniques. It’s critical that the survey be conducted by a registered surveyor—otherwise, the results won’t be likely to hold up in court. Here’s a brief outline of the steps a surveyor takes to help you better understand how the process works:
- Research: The work begins before the surveyor heads out to the field. The first step is to research the property by examining existing records to learn more about any existing boundaries and the history of the property. A surveyor will use deeds, property descriptions and other legal documents for this.
- Prepare: Each project site presents its own unique challenges. The surveyor will review maps of the land to develop a strategy for handling any project-specific challenges, such as steep terrain or a rocky area. This information will determine whether the survey needs to be conducted via an aerial drone or if heavy-duty equipment is required.
- Assemble a project team: This is the team that will complete the survey. The project manager will form the team based on the size, requirements and any unique aspects of the job.
- Establish the boundary: At the scene, the surveyor will use surveying markers to set, reference and mark the property lines. They will then be used throughout the duration of the rest of the survey and throughout the construction process.
- Conduct the survey: The length of the survey can vary from just a few hours to multiple days based on the size of the property, the scope of the project, weather conditions and the terrain. The team will work to complete the survey during the established schedule to avoid affecting the project budget.
- Compile the property description: Lastly, the project lead will prepare the final description for the client. This will include the length and direction of each line surveyed, corner monuments, topographical information and a detailed depiction of any natural or manmade features within the area. The final property description will be stamped by the surveyor with their state licensing number to make it both official and legally sound.
It’s clear that a land survey should only be completed by a trained professional with the necessary experience and knowledge for the job. Call D.G. Smyth & Company today to learn more about how we can help with land surveying in Texas!