3 Questions To Ask Your Lands Surveyor

If you are a property developer, a land surveyor is one of the professionals you will consult before commencing construction works. Land surveyors have a berth of information that can significantly influence your investment decision. This extract details some questions you should ask your land surveyor. 

1. What Are The Areas Zoning Regulations? 

Zoning regulations determine what you can or cannot build in the area. Typically, they determine whether you should build commercial, residential or industrial buildings. Additionally, they could determine the lot size, its density, the height of the building and the floor area ratio. The lands surveyor will also inform you about zoning overlays. For example, if your land is located in a residential zone, the local council could permit you to build a commercial building to serve the needs of locals. Land surveyors have long-term relationships with land officials. Therefore, they can inform you about proposed changes in the land ordinance. For example, you could be allowed to build a taller building if your foundation meets a certain threshold. 

2. What Are The Qualities Of The Property? 

The lands surveyor will check land maps and inform you about your property. For instance, what is its size? It is not uncommon for real estate agents to make minor mistakes when stating the size and dimensions of the property. Your lands surveyor will mark the property boundaries to ensure you do not encroach on neighbouring properties. Besides, the surveyor will inform you if the property has easements. For example, your neighbour could have secured an easement that prevents you from building too close to their property. Alternatively, the local utility company could have an easement that permits them to install overhead electrical cables or underground drainage or gas lines. 

3. Is It Possible To Subdivide The Property?

Subdivision is one of the easiest ways to increase the returns on your development. Once you divide the property, the new plots will fetch more than the property sold as a whole. Besides, subdivision allows you to make intelligent investment decisions. For instance, if you wanted to develop a commercial complex, a subdivision would enable you to take a loan using one of the plots. It is a sure way to protect and diversify your investment. 

Your lands surveyor will acquaint you with the subdivision laws. For example, the local council could set a minimum plot size. If this is the case, the lands surveyor will develop a subdivision map detailing how best to subdivide the property. The surveyor will also inform you about additional requirements such as installing roads, water and power.