Land Surveying Tips: How to Plan for New Residential Construction

There are numerous issues that you should address when planning for new residential construction. Poor consideration of all potential challenges can lead to complications in the future. One of the often overlooked aspects of construction planning is the need for land surveying. Land surveying is the process of evaluating the lot on which you intend to build a house and understanding its properties. The information obtained from the assessment will guide the design and building process. Here are some core tips to help you get the most from pre-construction land surveying.

Calculate the Area

You should calculate the area of the residential lot during the land survey. The total area of your property will determine the amount of usable space. This information will be invaluable for your architects and engineers. In simple terms, these professionals will determine the best design and configuration of your future building based on the area. For instance, if the lot is large, the house can be expansive and without storeys. It is also prudent to ensure that the outline of the shape of the land is provided following the survey.

Establish Lot Lines

Residential construction should not begin before the position of the property lines has been determined. If you are planning on purchasing a lot, you can use the information provided by the seller for guidance on boundaries. However, it is usually advisable to commission cadastral surveying from an independent professional. This will minimise the risk of expensive oversights. For instance, there are restrictions against encroachment and even building too close to adjacent lots. When the precise lines are identified, you should think about speaking with your neighbours about establishing a fence. This process is beneficial if there is no fence or the existing one is not placed along the true boundary.

Avoid Construction Violations

It is advisable to discuss potential regulations and restrictions imposed on your lot with your land surveyor before beginning your construction work. This is essential for avoiding violations which could result in penalties. In general, you should have your surveyor determine if there are zoning issues relating to your land. If there have been changes to the classification of the property, you might have difficulties obtaining the appropriate permits for your building. It is also important to discuss easements before commissioning design of your home. Easements influence the utility of land and lifting the restrictions can be difficult. Therefore, you will need to obtain complete information about the existing rights from your surveyor for reliable construction planning.

To learn more, reach out to a local land surveying service.


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