Professional well contractors may use electromagnetic mapping to look for places with a high likelihood of water. Water access can vary significantly, even on the same property, so it can be difficult to know where to drill if you don’t have specialized tools to look for water.
A land survey provides precise property boundaries, reveals legal encroachments, and identifies rights-of-way, minimizing disputes. Understanding the exact dimensions and features of the property aids in informed decision-making and safeguards the buyer's investment.
A few different types of land surveys can help determine certain features and boundaries of your property. These include:
Boundary surveys describe the actual borders of a property. These are generally required when trying to get construction permits issued.
Location surveys provide much of the same information as a boundary survey but also include in-depth information about any improvements made to your property.
Mortgage location surveys are usually required by lenders and title companies before financing or offering an insurance policy.
Site-planning surveys are done before applying for building permits and can be issued before any major home improvements.
Topographic surveys provide a formal map of land elevations. It can also describe the location and size of natural features and any land improvements.
Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn’t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.
Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you’re removing from the land. Some building departments will require permits for any underground work or excavation, meaning grinding down tree stumps on your property would require permits. Others mandate individual permits for each tree you remove. You can contact your local building department or a land-clearing specialist near you to see if permits are necessary for your job.
The Pullman, MI homeowners’ guide to land surveying services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Find out how much an elevation certificate costs, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to save money when hiring a surveyor for your property.
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If you've just been told that you need a land survey to continue your project, what time of land survey do you really need? Here are eight main options.