Blog : How to Prepare Your Property for a Land Survey

How to Prepare Your Property for a Land Survey

Getting your commercial property ready for a land survey is an important step that can help ensure the process goes smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell property, settle a boundary dispute, or start a construction project, a land survey provides critical information about your land’s boundaries, topography, and features. Proper preparation will not only make the surveyor’s job easier but also save you time and money.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your commercial property for a land survey:

1. Understand the Purpose of the Survey

Before preparing your property, it’s essential to understand why you need the survey. The type of survey required will determine the specific preparations you need to make. For example:

• Boundary Survey: Determines the exact boundaries and corners of your property.
• Topographic Survey: Maps the land’s contours and natural features, useful for construction or landscaping projects.
• ALTA/NSPS Survey: Provides a detailed report for title insurance purposes, often required in commercial real estate transactions.

Knowing the type of survey will help you focus your preparation efforts effectively.

2. Locate and Provide Relevant Documents

Gather all relevant documents that might help the surveyor, including:

• Deeds: Your property deed, which includes a legal description of the land.
• Previous Surveys: Any existing surveys of the property.
• Title Documents: Information about easements, rights of way, and encroachments.
• Subdivision Plats: If applicable, provide a plat map from when the property was subdivided.

These documents can provide valuable context and help the surveyor understand your property’s boundaries and any potential issues.

3. Clear Property Boundaries

Surveyors need to access all parts of your property, especially the boundary lines. Make sure to:

• Trim Overgrown Vegetation: Remove any overgrown bushes, tree branches, or tall grass along the property lines.
• Clear Obstructions: Move vehicles, outdoor furniture, or any other items that may obstruct access to the property boundaries.
• Remove Debris: Clear any piles of leaves, rocks, or debris that could make it difficult for the surveyor to perform their job.

Clearing the boundaries will allow the surveyor to accurately locate property corners and boundary lines.

4. Mark Known Property Corners

If you know where the property corners are located, mark them clearly with flags, stakes, or other visible markers. This can help the surveyor find the starting points more quickly.  While the surveyor will conduct a thorough search for all property corners, marking known locations can save time.

5. Identify Potential Hazards

To ensure safety, identify and address any hazards that might pose a risk to the surveyor. This could include:

• Unstable Structures: Notify the surveyor if there are any unstable buildings, walls, or fences.
• Hidden Holes or Pits: Mark any holes, wells, or ditches that could be a tripping hazard.
• Wildlife or Dangerous Plants: Inform the surveyor about any aggressive wildlife or poisonous plants on the property.

Making the surveyor aware of potential hazards will help them take necessary precautions to stay safe while conducting the survey.

Conclusion

Preparing your commercial property for a land survey doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure that the survey is conducted efficiently, accurately, and with minimal disruptions. Proper preparation not only helps the surveyor but also benefits you by providing the most precise and useful data for your needs.

Whether you’re building, buying, selling, or simply clarifying your property boundaries, a well-prepared land survey sets the foundation for a successful outcome.  Have a question on Commercial Land Surveying and/or other surveys, give us a call at (954) 585-0997.

About Stoner

Since 1988, Stoner has continually provided the highest level of quality service to each and every project.  Staying true to the company mission statement of Experience, Excellence, Service and Technology: These are the watchwords that we apply to each of our clients’ projects.  Today, the company services the greater South Florida area including Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties.  Allowing the team of professionals to deliver critical surveying services in a timely manner to both the private sector and the government.  For more information on Stoner, please call (954) 585-0997or visit www.stonersurveyors.com.