Whether building a home or creating more space for your company, a new construction is an exciting time. However, before you begin the project, a land surveying company must examine the lot you’re building on. They’ll ensure that the land and the established structures are safe for developing and that you’re working within the bounds of your property. This will prevent construction in unsuitable areas or land that isn’t yours.

What Are the Types of Land Surveying?

Location Survey

Before the title to the land is transferred, before it’s subdivided, and before any construction occurs, a location survey is conducted. These surveys are usually required for zoning permits and are often part of the loan application process.

Location surveys are like boundary surveys. However, they include more data on the interior improvements on the project’s location.

Subdivision Survey

These surveys are overseen by the local government. They divide larger lands, creating streets, lots, and drainages.

Boundary Survey

Surveyors take into account physical monuments, plats, and deeds when completing a boundary survey. They also work on the adjacent lands to define the endpoints of your property. The boundaries are commonly marked with stakes, pins, pipes, or monuments. If you’re building in a rural area, surveyors might mark trees or concrete areas.

When the boundary survey is complete, you may receive several notices from your land surveying company.

The notices may include the location of the markers on all corners and boundaries at the property lines. Once the survey is complete, they'll send a legal description of the site. You'll also receive a certified map that includes boundary lines and a list of improvements. To protect your investment, they'll include the locations of easements and encroachments. You may also receive a certification that the survey meets the state of Montana’s standards.

Topographic Survey

Civil engineers perform topographic surveys. They locate various utilities, roads, watercourses, and embankments that are on the land.

Modern companies use drones for topographic surveys. Due to their efficiency, the drones complete surveying tasks in minutes rather than days or weeks. This saves time and money on the project while still producing detailed and accurate results.

Site Planning Survey

These surveys combine the features of the boundary and topographic surveys. Most constructions use site planning—from residential and commercial to subdivisions and highways.

ALTA/ACSM Survey

This is the most comprehensive land survey available. It's often requested by money lenders or property owners. Surveyors examine the land's condition so that it's up to the standard set by the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.

Construction Survey

A land surveyor will test the structures of the site, including utilities and roads. When surveying developed buildings, they will inspect the walls and infrastructure for damage.

The surveyors will also use slope staking in the early stages of the project to establish the limits of the construction area.

The survey will involve staking out markers to guide the development of new additions, like buildings or roads.

During the project, surveyors will confirm the locations of the old and new structures under construction. This ensures the construction stays within the boundaries of the lot.

As-Built surveys are also part of the construction survey. It’s done at the end of the project to verify the work was completed according to the original plans.

What Should You Look for in a Land Surveyor?

Detailed Communication

Land surveying is a detailed process. It occurs early in the stages of construction and affects how smoothly the rest of the project will go. The surveyors should not only maintain complete documentation but also regularly communicate with the client.

The best surveyors discuss their process and detail why and how they arrived at their conclusions on the land’s quality.

Modern Equipment

Establishing boundaries takes mathematical precision. The right surveyor stays updated on modern surveying technology and adapts with the times. Modern technology provides the most accurate results, allowing you peace of mind as the project moves forward.

Experience With Similar Projects

You should find a surveyor experience that fits your needs. If you’re working on a commercial project, you should hire a surveyor with experience in commercial constructions rather than one that primarily works on residences.

When researching surveyors, look for client testimonials online. You can also ask the company for references from former clients.

If you’re interviewing different surveyors, ask for a portfolio of their previous work. Some also upload photos of their work onto their website. You’ll get an idea of how your project will go by seeing the finished product of similar work.

Surveying is delicate and precise. If a surveyor makes a mistake, it can cost you money in time and litigation. A company with an experienced staff is more adept at spotting and preventing simple but costly errors.

What’s Involved in the Pre-Construction Surveying Process?

The pre-construction surveying process is fair to the adjacent property owners. It also ensures a quality result that provides a detailed examination of the land.

1. The Surveyor Sends a Pre-Construction Letter

Before the survey, letters are sent to any nearby property owners. The details of the interior or exterior survey will be explained to them.

2. The Surveyor Inspects the Property

Surveyors provide comprehensive data on any pre-existing damage to the adjacent properties. They may use both verbal and photographic documentation during their inspection.

For example, there may be cracks in interior walls or exterior cladding. They’ll detail any imperfections, the size and nature of it, and where it’s located.

Knowing ahead of time where the damage is located will allow you to make alterations to your plan ahead of the beginning of construction.  

3. The Surveyor Delivers the Report

A report of the inspection is given to you, detailing the location and severity of any found damage. They’ll also provide the locations of markers that note the boundary of the property. 

The surveyors will also explain how they came to these conclusions, allowing for a safe and legal construction.

Why Is Land Surveying Important to the Construction Process?

Land surveying is about ensuring the lot that you purchased is safe to build on and is, in fact, yours. Surveyors use deeds and their own investigation to find the boundaries of your property. They prevent building on another's land, which can have expensive consequences.

If any damage is found during construction, it can cause costly work stoppages. An adjacent property owner can claim the damage was caused by the construction. An investigation into the damage can lead to litigation if the source is unclear. Knowing where the damage is early will allow you to get ahead of any problems and keep your project on-schedule. 

 

If you’re starting a new construction, you need a land surveying team with practical experience utilizing the most advanced technology on the market. Jackola Engineering & Architecture, PC in Kalispell, MT have over 50 years of experience. They’ll measure the topography and boundaries of your land and notify you of any building impediments that might slow your project down. To make an appointment, reach out to them at (406) 755-3208. For more information on their comprehensive services, including civil engineering and interior design, visit their website.