Land surveys are made to demonstrate and define a land’s boundaries, property lines, dimensions, features, and location. Land surveys are divided into specific types and categories, according to purposes and requirements. However, most surveys will list the property’s boundaries in detail, which is an important factor that impacts a potential buyer’s decision. When buying a property, it’s important to hire a land surveyor in order to disclose potential obstructions and other future hazards before closing your sale.
Land surveys are also crucial for determining legal boundaries in case of conflicts and disputes over ownership. The type of land survey you require is based on the purpose of use. For instance, if you’re buying a new home or investment property, you’ll have to submit an ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey or mortgage survey along with the rest of the required documents to issue titled insurance. Therefore, if you’re looking for land surveyors, here’s some important advice to help you out.
Hire a Certified Land Surveyor
Qualifications and certifications are considered significant factors in the choice of a land surveyor, having someone who’s well-educated, experienced, and licensed ensures their accountability in performing their job. A licensed and experienced land surveyor must be able to use the right tools and the most updated software, otherwise, there are many problems that can occur due to using inadequate equipment. One of the best ways to find a qualified land surveyor is either through referrals or by checking references.
An experienced surveyor can provide a list of clients they worked with before. Try to reach out to a couple of clients and ask how satisfied they were with the performance and results of their land surveyor, and if they’re accountable for your surveying needs.
Walk the Land
In addition to having an experienced and licensed land surveyor, as a land buyer or a property owner, we strongly advise that you walk the land with the surveyor. A good and trusted land surveyor has a lot more to offer than just the basic topographical layout of the surrounding property ground lines and boundaries. By asking questions and having access to more information, as suggested by surveyors at Axiom Geomatics, other important elements can be clarified. For instance, if potential sewage or water flow hazards are likely to affect your property in 5 years time, your land surveyor can easily give you a heads-up right before it’s too late.
The Use of Adequate Equipment
Despite the importance of hiring a qualified land surveyor, the utilized equipment for the job is as important as the one performing it. Modern equipment gives accurate and precise results and makes the job of a surveyor easier and more susceptible. Property buyers must ensure the efficiency of the whole process, starting from the software and complex CAD program they’re using to other equipment and their functionality, before finalizing a deal.
Surveying Company Insurance
Land surveying companies work with other industrial providers like engineers, constructors, developers, utility mapping, and service providers. Most of their land evaluations, suggestions, and proposals are put into action. However, like any other specializations, surveyors are subject to committing mistakes.
To make sure that they’re liable if anything goes wrong, you must ask for the company’s insurance documentation, especially when foundational elements are an integral part of the construction plan. A myriad of factors, such as sewage, pipelines, and gas lines, can affect your property if any damage takes place.
Prices and Cost
Before making a final decision of choosing the right surveying company, compare the market prices in this particular field. You also have to ask for quotes from different and reliable sources. Knowing and listing your needs helps in providing an accurate price for your requirements, there’s no need to pay for something extra that you don’t really need or end up paying less and getting an incomplete job. Prices usually depend on the size, dimensions, and location of the property you’re intending to buy and the type of survey you request.
When looking for a land surveyor to help you with your decision on property buying, you must consider certain qualities and skills. A surveyor must be qualified, have the knowledge, and the ability to solve problems, analyze, and apply critical thinking methods. Also, it’s crucial for a land surveyor to utilize technology and adequate tools to help him perform an accurate job. Communicating with the clients is a very important and crucial aspect since they have to answer questions and provide information, we strongly advise going through reviews of previous clients. Survey services vary in price, before making any decisions it’s recommended to ask for quotes, and read through them carefully. We strongly advise asking for a license and insurance before proceeding with the surveying process.
