Steps for Choosing the Right Land Surveyor

Being told that you need a land survey can be both a frustrating and confusing situation. Often times, most people do not realize that a land survey is important when buying a new home or property of any kind. 

Determining boundaries, easements, and encroachments is vital to the overall value of the property. A survey will also help to avoid legal costs down the road, and even provide you with pertinent information regarding your investment. It’s always advised that you request for an existing land survey plan before buying a house, as certain easements and encroachments can actually affect the value of the property. You don’t want to spend more than you should on property, and furthermore, you want to get the most value for the home down the road should you ever decide to sell.

·        How do you decide which land surveyor to hire?

After all, the job they’re taking on is of great importance to the value of your property or one you’re thinking of buying, so choosing the right land surveyor is important.

Below is a guide on how to choose the right land surveyor, and the criteria that should be followed in doing so.

1.      PROVIDE PROPER DOCUMENTATION

Once you decide to have your property surveyed, the first step is to gather any available copies of old surveys of your property that currently exist. If you don’t have them, the land surveying company should research these documents for you.  This information gives the land surveyors that you choose all the facts about the history of your property. Every piece of property has a history, and this history guides the work of a professional surveyor.

For the same reason, assemble all the title documents that you received when you acquired your property if you have them. In most cases, the surveyor will find and provide the proper documentation either by going through the Office of the Surveyor General of the State, the Land bureau or other surveyors records.

A common misconception of many new homebuyers is that they don’t need a survey because one must have already been completed at some point in the past. Don’t assume this.

Be sure to have any available deeds or maps that your surveyor may need as well. Again, if you don’t have them, the land surveyor can research the information. These records are of greatest importance for the surveyor.

2.      DETERMINE THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY

Determine the precise purpose of the survey you want. This is necessary so the surveyor can create the right documentation for you. The particular survey you need determines what your surveyor does, and how long it takes to do it. A boundary survey is the kind a client might ask for to get a building permit or erect a fence. In many cases, it can also resolve a property dispute with a neighbor. The surveyor can also establish easement lines in a boundary survey, which helps to determine a right to use property of another without possessing it. Another type of survey is the Court Exhibit or Judicial. All surveys are legally valid courtroom exhibits. An elevation or floodplain survey establishes the height and how it relates to FEMA flood zones. It is often used by contractors, engineers or architects to help prepare building plans. Another use is to establish whether a property is in a flood plain.

A lot split survey, subdivision survey, and route plan survey each help property developers. A lot split survey shows how a developer plans to divide property into two smaller lots. A subdivision survey is similar, but is for a property that will become many smaller lots. A route plan survey shows where roads will go.

A topographical survey shows the contours of the land and is essential in the design of sites.

Tell your professional surveyor your purpose and goal. Make sure he has all the facts, so that he can suggest the kind of survey that best suits your needs.

3.      FAMILIAR WITH YOUR LOCATION

To find the most suitable expert to do a land survey of your property, choose a surveyor who is familiar with your locale. Such a professional knows the requirements of the government agencies that have jurisdiction over your specific property.

A local surveyor or land surveying firm will be familiar with varying local terrain, property history, particular neighborhoods, special regulations, local and state customs.

Land use and building regulations vary widely across the United States. They may even vary within neighboring towns. Fulfilling many governmental requirements is often complex and confusing.

Geomartins & Associate are expert surveyors throughout the entire state of Lagos and environ.

4.      CHOOSE BASED ON REPUTATION

Performance and reputation are the first qualifications you should look for when you hire a surveyor. A surveyor’s competence is the most important consideration when you choose among candidates, because you need to depend upon it.

A surveyor provides an essential service by doing a precision job. Their work must stand up through time. After all, you are building on his work.

Do your research. Choose a surveyor based on their reputation, and you’ll be on the right track. Ask around for recommendations.

Also utilize the Better Business Bureau in your research. Surveyors with a high rating are what you’ll naturally want to go with.

5.      A SURVEYOR THAT GATHERS THE FACTS

Choose a surveyor who you believe will take the time to get all the facts about your property, its history, and your goals. Availability is also another important factor. Will he or she be around to answer or return your phone calls in a timely manner? Believe it not, this isn’t always the case. Make sure to check his reputation for giving his clients’ problems his full attention. Ask about a potential surveyor in the community. Ask the surveyor for references, too. A reputable firm will be able to give you testimonials from satisfied clients.To ensure that the person you hire does his best for you, make sure that you tell him about every facet of your situation. A surveyor must know his employer’s circumstances and goals so he can do his best work. Any good surveyor will do the required research and ascertain the proper documentation needed before performing any work for you. Not doing so can result in faulty work and may have to be redone down the line.

Also check to make sure the surveyor of your choosing is registered with the Surveyor Council of Nigeria (SURCON).

6.      TRUST IS THE DETERMINING FACTOR

To sum up, property owners and developers must choose land-surveying companies that they know they can trust. Someone who is beginning an important project needs a surveyor who is reliable and knowledgeable.

In order to find that person; choose someone local, who comes to you with a good reputation and an excellent performance history. Inspect their references carefully, and talk to several former clients if possible. Pick someone who will learn all the facts about your property and your situation.