Land surveying refers to establishing physical limits and precise ground measurements of the land.
A land survey, at the minimum, will show the precise landlines and structures within that particular property.
A land survey is done by experts called surveyors. The surveyors use specialized equipment to produce land maps and establish the dimensions of the land.
Importance of land surveying
A land survey has several purposes. They include:
Meeting the requirements of a mortgage
Most institutions offering mortgages ask for a land survey before they process the funds. Whereas some might not require the same, it is crucial to do it before applying for any mortgage.
Some mortgage companies cover the survey costs, while others require the landowner to pay this fee.
Locate utilities on your land
In certain situations, vacant lands have utilities like electricity, water, underground cables, minerals, and sewer system. While some utilities can be identified with ease, others are not easily locatable.
Thus, a survey assists in identifying the precise location of such utilities. This is crucial, particularly when you want to carry out construction on the land.
Establishing land boundary
This is among the most common purposes for surveying land. You might not be able to identify the exact boundaries of your property; however, through this exercise, you clear all doubts.
Further, it assists you in knowing whether your neighbor has encroached on your land or if you have encroached on your neighbor’s land. This is vital when you want to develop buildings or fence the property.
Zoning classification
The government controls how land is used in an area through zoning. The three types of zones are commercial, agricultural, and residential. A land survey helps a landowner know his land zoning. This assists the owner in utilizing the land optimally without getting on the wrong side of the law.
Transfer of title deed purposes
A land survey is an essential step, whether selling or buying land, to assist the buyer or the seller know the precise size of the property they wish to buy or dispose of. Moreover, a land survey helps to establish the price at which they can sell the property.
Insuring the property
Did you know that many property owners insure their land? Before acquiring any insurance cover, a land survey has to be carried out to determine each item on the property.
Identifying easement on the land
An easement refers to the right of particular personnel to use the land. A land survey assists in identifying easement on your property.
New land subdivision
Some property developers buy large pieces of land and divide them into smaller portions to sell. Before they do subdivisions, they have to carry out a land survey to ensure the process meets the legal requirements in the area.
Resolving right of way
In some instances, your land may prevent your neighbor from accessing the main road. Sometimes they may have the right to go through your land. A land survey comes in handy in avoiding potential conflict and clearing doubts.