Buying commercial property for development purposes requires detailed planning to avoid making a poor investment. No matter what type of land you’re considering for purchase, land surveying should be part of the equation. Review what you need to know before acquiring title to a selected commercial property from the guide that follows.

What Do I Need to Know About Buying Commercial Land?

1. What’s Above & Below

Schedule land surveying to determine the quality and safety of the property. Engineering firms specializing in site surveys offer topographic services that check for soil contamination and floodplains. Topographic surveys also determine if the land is structurally sound to build on. In addition, land surveyors will check for underground hazards, such as oil drums, old wells, and broken plumbing lines, that may complicate new construction.

2. Exact Boundary Lines

Establish precise boundary lines to prevent disputes and delays. After a surveyor has recorded property lines, contact your local zoning office to learn of regulations and restrictions that may affect development. For example, if a property is zoned for retail use, you’ll need to look for a different lot if you want it for livestock.

Establishing boundaries will tell you how close your land is to public utilities and whether any easements or illegal-use restrictions are in effect. A zoning commission may deem some types of businesses to be detrimental to the public interest, for example, for health or safety reasons.

3. Land Divisions

Work with a land surveyor if you intend to divide a property with business partners or family. A survey will quell future disputes, such as a partner claiming that part of your land belongs to them. A site survey also facilitates future land sales.

4. Title History

Request a title search to learn of previous owners or property liens from unpaid taxes. A thorough title search ensures the seller is the undisputed owner and doesn’t share the property with friends, relatives, or business associates.

Take advantage of land surveying services from Berling Engineering, a professional consulting firm serving Northern Kentucky since 2000. This family-owned, reliable civil engineering company provides topographic surveys, lot clearing, and site development services to builders and developers throughout the region. Call (859) 331-9191 today to get started, or learn more about site surveying online.