Professional Surveys Save Your Time & Money

We all want to save time and money in our construction projects. So, how can professional surveys save you time and money? Every construction project needs to address several details. Surveying a construction site is one such detail. Surveying is a detail that is important in commercial as well as residential construction projects. An incorrect survey can be a costly mistake. A mistake that you don’t want to make. Avoiding this mistake is one of the reasons it is beneficial to work with professional surveyors. Their experience and knowledge can catch errors or eliminate them before they happen. There are a variety of reasons to have property surveyed before commencing with construction. Surveying is recommended for landscaping, fencing, driveways, and for constructing an addition to an existing structure. Surveys are a critical step for any new construction, both residential and commercial. Here are some ways that professional surveyors bring projects to completion.

Surveying Boundary and Property Lines

On any construction site, it is important to have an accurate assessment of the location of property lines. Such an assessment is especially critical when erecting a fence.  In any scenario where a neighbour is involved, the marking of the fence line must be exact. If the project and cost are shared, the fence can be on the property line.  However, if it is a project for a sole homeowner, then the fence needs to be on the home owner’s side of the property line. Accurate surveys are even more crucial when it comes to sidewalks and alleys. If any part of a fence is on municipal-owned land, the municipality may insist that the structure be taken down and rebuilt on the correct line.

Finding Anomalies with Surveys

A survey identifies unusual spaces on a property.  Industry survey jargon refers to these unusual spaces as gores and gaps. Gores and gaps can be odd shaped pockets or slivers of land that are not attached to a specific plot. A survey can also find any examples of encroachment. An encroachment is where a neighbouring structure is built partially on or over another landowner’s property. Additionally, easements will show up on a property’s title report. Easements are agreements that would have been made for a neighbour to access areas that a landowner’s property blocks.  Easement information can impact any type of construction being considered on a property.  The survey will identify if there are egress and ingress arrangements or rights of access attached to the property.

Surveying and Locating Surface Water

Surveys will identify surface water like a pond or stream.  Various government entities may protect ponds and streams and not allow construction projects to take place. These entities may issue fines to landowner’s in such a scenario. However, surveys may not locate underground water sources. The detection of springs or other underground water sources may require testing specific to that purpose.

Improvements and Restrictions Show on Surveyor Reports

A survey should show all structural upgrades since the original construction of a building.  Note that surveyor reports will show upgrades if they were permitted and if they are up to code. The survey will also indicate if there are height, bulk, set back, or parking restrictions. The surveyor will also advise if the newest improvements adhere to government requirements or if adjustments must be made before proceeding with a construction project.

Surveying Utility Lines

A survey will show underground cables, pipes, lines used for telephone, gas, water, sewage, etc.  It is critical to know the location of all underground utilities when planning any kind of construction project.  Damage to any utility will most likely become the financial responsibility of the landowner.  There could be additional costs associated with the specific wreckage and related damage.  For example, if water lines are damaged that impact neighbouring yards, houses, or driveways, these costs may also become the responsibility of the landowner. Using a professional surveyor can mitigate a landowner’s financial responsibility if an unmarked utility line is struck during construction.  It is also important to note that utility companies have the right to locate meters on a landowner’s property. These companies must have access to these utilities.  Therefore, if gates have locks on them or a pet is a threat, collaborate with the utility companies to create access opportunities

Surveys Show Zoning Requirements

All municipalities have zoning laws in place. Most landowners are aware of how their property is zoned, but sometimes there are surprises.  A professional survey will identify any zoning restrictions placed on the property by its zoning classification.

Many landowners complete surveys prior to performing renovations or making improvements to their property. There are times when disputes arise, and a survey will identify needed information to settle the dispute.  Surveys may also be required to commence with a new construction project.  Regardless of the application, seeking the help of a professional surveyor is always the best choice. Professional surveyors guide property owners to make the best choices for their projects.