Get matched with top land surveyors in Detroit Lakes, MN

You can’t build on undeveloped land without preparing it for construction, which involves running utilities to the site or accounting for private utilities like wells and septic systems and grading and compacting the soil for safe construction. Once you prepare the land, you can build on it as long as the project abides by local zoning regulations.

If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.

Yes, new home construction will always require building permits, no matter where you live. In most cases, you’ll need a general construction permit, along with plumbing and electrical permits for the utility lines in your home. Depending on where you live, you’ll likely find that you also need permits for things like connection to a sewage system or installing exterior components, like decks, driveways, patios, and curb cutouts. Leave navigating the permits required for new home construction to a professional to ensure your home is built legally and safely.

Land surveying costs about $530 for the average homeowner. However, your total cost could range anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more. Factors like the size of your property play a significant role in what you pay, but other things like the survey type and the time of year can also impact the final cost. 

For example, if you’re looking for a simple boundary survey, you can expect to pay between $100 and $600. However, if you want a more in-depth survey that depicts the elevations of your hills and trees, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 for a topographic survey.