While there are a number of areas of our lives where do-it-yourself (DIY) efforts can be prudent and help save both time and money, there are also others where work should typically be left to professionals for a few important reasons. The realm of land surveying is one such example – these kinds of projects should virtually never be attempted by anyone other than land survey professionals, and there are several specific reasons for this.
At Diamond Land Surveying, we’re here to offer the very best land surveying services around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, offering both residential and commercial surveys, construction staking services, lot consolidation plats and much more. Here are some of the major risks that are present for any non-land surveying professional attempting a DIY land survey project on their own, plus why you’ll be saving everything from time and money to hassle and peace-of-mind by hiring professionals for any such need.
Legal Requirements
First and foremost, there are a large number of land survey settings in which a professional survey is required by law. While laws on this front vary from state to state, most areas require that land surveys be completed for any new construction, property line disputes, or similar reasons.
Attempting these tasks without the proper legal requirements in place could lead to serious issues down the line, including costly legal battles and even potential fines. For instance, if your new construction project ends up encroaching on a neighbor’s property due to an incorrect survey, you could be dealing with expensive legal consequences.
Technical Expertise
Land surveying is a highly technical field that requires extensive knowledge and skill in order to produce accurate results. Professionals have undergone years of education and training to become qualified in this field, and they utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure precision.
Without the necessary technical expertise, attempting a DIY land survey is likely to result in inaccurate measurements and unreliable data. This can lead to significant problems for any future development or property transactions.
Safety Concerns
Land surveying involves working in potentially hazardous conditions, such as steep slopes, dense vegetation, or busy construction sites. Professionals are trained and equipped to handle these risks, while a DIY surveyor may not have the necessary safety training or equipment.
In addition to potential personal injury, there is also the risk of causing damage to surrounding property or infrastructure. Hiring professionals ensures that all necessary precautions are taken to protect both people and property.
Familiarity With Technology
As we alluded to above, land surveying professionals use advanced equipment and technology to produce accurate results. This includes GPS systems, laser scanners, and other specialized tools that are not typically available to the general public.
Attempting a DIY land survey without this technology can result in inaccurate measurements and unreliable data. By hiring professionals, you can be confident that your project will be completed with the most precise and up-to-date methods available.
Working With Other Entities
Furthermore, anytime other professional entities will be involved in your land surveying project, it’s vital to have a qualified and experienced professional leading the way. This could include architects, engineers, or governmental agencies.
Professional land surveyors are familiar with the processes and requirements of these other entities and can effectively coordinate with them to ensure a successful outcome for your project. Attempting a DIY land survey without this knowledge and experience could lead to delays, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a botched project.
Speed of Work
Speaking of delay avoidance, let’s consider the overall speed of work for a land survey project. With professionals, you can be confident that your project will be completed in a timely manner, as they have the necessary experience and resources to efficiently handle all aspects of the job.
On the other hand, a DIY land survey can often be time-consuming and may result in multiple delays due to lack of expertise or equipment. By hiring professionals, you can save yourself the frustration and wasted time of attempting to do it on your own.
While DIY projects can be a great way to save money and learn new skills, there are certain tasks that should be left to trained professionals for the sake of accuracy, safety, and efficiency. When it comes to land surveying, it’s always best to rely on experienced professionals like the team at Diamond Land Surveying for all your survey needs around SLC and other parts of Utah. Trust us to get the job done right and save yourself time, money, and potential legal troubles in the long run. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation!