A land survey is an important procedure for everyone from homeowners and buyers to project managers preparing a construction site for an upcoming job. Completing the land survey isn’t simple, though. It requires the knowledge and expertise of a trained professional who follows a specific process. A land survey will determine the property lines and identify the location of any geological features or pre-existing structures. Having a professional conduct a land survey can save you thousands of dollars in the long run by avoiding accidentally building on someone else’s property.
A land surveyor follows a series of procedures to effectively complete the survey correctly the first time. To help you better understand how this vital process works, here is a breakdown of the six basic steps of land surveying in Idaho:
- Research: A land surveyor will typically start off by conducting research after being contacted by a client. This can include contacting local government agencies and looking at existing records, such as deeds and property descriptions, to learn more about the property’s history and existing boundaries.
- Review maps: Reviewing any maps or documents can help the land surveyor develop a strategy for the survey before actually starting the job. The surveyor can use this information to prepare for any project-specific challenges, such as enlisting the help of an unmanned aerial vehicle to survey an especially treacherous space.
- Form a project team: The head surveyor will then utilize all of that information to form a project team based on the size, requirements and any special characteristics of the job. This could also include surveyors with any specific areas of expertise pertaining to the project.
- Establish the boundary: The surveyor will first set, reference and mark the points of the property lines with markers. The findings could be the same as previously conducted surveys, or they could drastically differ. The markers will then be used throughout the rest of the survey and will serve as an aid in any future surveys.
- Perform the survey: This could take anywhere from an hour to a matter of days depending on the scope, terrain, property size, weather and a variety of other factors. The survey team will take special care to ensure the work is completed prior to any established deadlines.
- Prepare the property description: This important document will include the direction and length of each line surveyed, delineation of the topography, corner monuments and a depiction of any existing structures or manmade features. The legal document should also list the name of the owner, property location, surveyor name, the date the survey was conducted and the scale of the plat. It will then be stamped by the surveyor to prove it is a legally sound document.
It’s clear that a survey requires the expertise of a trained and experienced land surveyor, and not something that should ever be attempted by an untrained individual. Call Mason & Associates today to learn more about how we can assist you with land surveying in Idaho!