How Land Surveys Are Used to Build a Home

There are a few areas many people’s minds naturally gravitate toward when they hear the term land surveying, and the construction of a new home is common. Many people are well aware that land surveying is a common process during lot assessment and homebuilding – but you might not necessarily know all the different ways surveying may be helpful in these settings.

At Diamond Land Surveying, we’re happy to offer a wide range of residential property surveys and related services to clients around Salt Lake City, Utah County and other parts of Utah. Here’s a look at the various ways land surveying can be used for homebuilding needs, ensuring that the job is carried out with accurate information and other important facets.

land surveys build home

Construction Prep

Most homes require significant prep ahead of any construction, and there are several ways land surveying can be a valuable asset in this process. The most common is to generate a basic boundary survey of the lot, including the parcel topography, so the site designers and contractors  have an accurate picture of the site. This helps to ensure that everything is properly designed before construction begins – meaning no costly mistakes or delays down the line.

In most cases, civil engineers or architects will request land surveying for a property before a given home design is even produced. They can use this information to create detailed plans and drawings that will ensure everything is built in the correct spot relative to the property. This process may also involve locating underground utilities, which can be important for both safety and design needs.

Property Line Identification

One of the most common uses for residential property surveying is to help identify property lines between adjoining properties. A good land surveyor can help establish the property boundary lines to ensure the overall project stays within the property lines and within required setbacks. This often becomes necessary when an owner is looking to build a fence or other structure – but they want to make sure they’re not encroaching on a neighbor’s property.

Having accurate information from an experienced surveyor is the best way to ensure that everything is done properly and legally, so it’s well worth the investment of time and money. Down the road surveys can also be used to prevent or rectify potential boundary disputes.

Helping With Accurate Land Valuations

Land valuations may also be important during planning or construction processes, and they can be very difficult to get right without the help of a land surveyor. Surveyors are experts in determining precise acreages and other information that can inform the valuation process – giving owners more peace of mind when it comes to their property’s worth.

Without proper surveys here, there’s a risk of over- or under-valuing a property. A land surveyor can help to provide other key details, such as the size of existing structures or features.

Topographical Details

As you might imagine, land surveys are also highly useful in determining topographical details of a given property or lot. This includes things such as elevations and slopes, which can be extremely helpful when designing drainage solutions and other features that require detailed information about the land’s makeup.

This information can also be used to help architects and civil engineers design specific elements of the home. For instance, a slope or elevation may impact where a patio or deck might be placed – and having this information upfront can save a great deal of time and effort during the design process.

Overall, land surveying is an invaluable asset when it comes to construction projects – particularly those related to residential homes. It provides critical details that can help to ensure the project runs as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible, while also helping to guarantee that everything is done safely. With this in mind, it’s essential for any homeowner looking to build on a property to invest in a good land surveyor from the very beginning. Doing so may help mitigate potential risks down the road in several ways.

At Diamond Land Surveying, we specialize in providing the highest quality land surveying services to residential and commercial customers alike. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get your construction project off the ground in Salt Lake City, Utah County or any other location in Utah.