Four Important Guidelines on Land Surveying for New Property Owners

If you have acquired real estate through purchase or inheritance, consider the importance of carrying out a land survey. Often, new property owners fail to conduct surveys before developing their land due to the associated costs. However, keep in mind that the lack of information on your land could lead to higher long-term expenses. For example, if you build on your site and encroach on your neighbour's property, they could sue you. Resolving this type of legal dispute can be costly. Therefore, prioritise land surveying to prevent financial losses and legal problems. Here are essential tips to keep in mind.

Check the Boundaries

The most critical survey is identifying the true boundaries of your property. New property owners make assumptions based on factors like former usage, old fences and placement of buildings. Unfortunately, these factors do not always indicate the real property borders. A qualified land surveyor can conduct a cadastral assessment of your land and provide accurate information. The report will prevent you from encroaching during the development of the property. If there are some discrepancies after the survey, initiate a discussion with your neighbour and resolve disputes peacefully.

Install a New Fence

Installing a new fence around your property is critical after confirming the exact lines around your property. This practice will protect your land from wild animals, stray livestock and unscrupulous individuals. It will also serve as a guideline when developing your property by building new features. Usually, a boundary fence requires the cooperation of the neighbour. Therefore, consult with the owners of adjacent properties and get their approval before proceeding.

Consider Other Surveys

Land surveying encompasses more than the identification of property boundaries. Therefore, consider engaging your chosen surveyor in other critical assessment tasks for your planned development. For example, the professional can handle a topographical survey to give insight into the contours of the land. This information is crucial for understanding the best design for buildings and calculating the risk of flooding problems. If you would like to conduct a subdivision development, plan for a subdivision survey. Other critical steps include site planning, construction and location surveys.

Purchase Insurance

Finally, you should use the reports generated by your land surveyor to acquire insurance for your new property. Title insurance is important for addressing potential disputes in case of unforeseen complications related to your property. For example, they can protect you from financial losses related to easements on your land. You can also use your topographical survey details to acquire flood insurance.