When building on your property it's important to have a full land survey completed first. A qualified surveyor works with your builder to ensure the final building meets all regulations and that it is sited properly for safety and longevity. The following are a few of the key benefits provided by a pre-build land survey.
1. Restriction Research
There can be a multitude of building restrictions tied to a possible building site. Your land surveyor will undertake research to determine if there are any easements that affect the site, such as council easements for utility access. They will also verify all restrictions and laws that can affect the build site, such as restrictions on building height or property line setbacks.
2. Site Boundary Assessment
It's vital to know the exact boundary lines of your property. Failure to properly survey the property lines prior to beginning the build can lead to expensive problems later. For example, if there is a property line dispute with a neighbour and they win, you may need to demolish all or part of your building. Your land surveyor will be able to locate, mark and document the exact boundaries so you can have peace of mind.
3. Ground Measurements
Measuring the grade along with the exact measurements of all features on the site is necessary before you build. Your builder must know this information before they finalise the architectural drawings for the site. This information is also necessary when applying for building approval because it has a direct impact on every aspect of the build.
4. Build Impact Study
Most land surveyors also offer build impact studies, which are used to determine how your build will affect your neighbours, local infrastructure and the environment. Depending on your location, environmental studies that assess the ecosystem impacts of your project may be required. The study will also detail whether there may be necessary infrastructure changes, such as the installation of a driveway, or impacts on neighbours, such as when a commercial building is erected near a residential area.
5. Water and Soil Assessment
How water flows over and under your property, along with the quality of the soil, is necessary for planning the build. Assessing water flow and the location of underground aquifers ensures that your building doesn't impede the water cycle and that water flow won't cause damage. Soil assessment is used to determine the main structure of the soil, which will impact site selection and foundation construction.
Contact a land surveyor if you are ready to begin the preliminary work for your new home build.
