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When you’re eyeing vacant land as a potential area to build your new home, it’s tempting to just make the purchase and get started on the building. But proceeding in that hasty manner can lead to a snarl of costly complications that may force you to pause construction later on. Here’s a guide to why it’s paramount that you first conduct a site survey on the land so you know exactly what the property offers. 

What Is a Site Survey?

When you’re thinking about buying a vacant lot to build on, the first action you need to take is to confirm the official boundaries of the property. That task is not as simple as measuring around the current fence since that barrier may not respect the true boundary.

The solution is to conduct a site survey — specifically, a boundary survey, to mark exactly where your land ends and the neighbor’s begins. Typically, experts will accomplish the survey by consulting official property records and old surveys along with GPS technology. 

Why Do You Need One?

site surveyThere are many reasons why it’s inadvisable to just “wing it” and buy the vacant lot without a site survey. First, you won’t be eligible for title insurance, which covers you if a neighbor believes he or she has a right to exit their property on what you believe is yours. Second, if it turns out you are encroaching on someone else’s land, a late discovery means you may have to tear down everything you’ve built.

That unfortunate scenario not only means a massive delay but also a tremendous addition to your overall costs. Finally, the exact boundaries matter for zoning reasons. Whether you’re officially in one municipal zone or another may well decide how you can proceed with the building, so it’s crucial that you know beforehand. 

 

After you’ve found a vacant lot that seems to be a good candidate for a build, reach out to the top site surveying company, McCarty Associates, in Hillsboro, OH. Founded in 1963, the professionals use everything from GPS technology to old property maps to help you determine the exact boundaries of your land. You can set up an appointment with the company’s surveying services department by calling (937) 393-9971. Learn more about the civil engineers by visiting their website

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