How do surveys support property extension planning?
posted 22nd November 2024
Extending your existing home is an exciting time that provides you with extra living space. House extensions can improve property values and the functionality of the home, but before you start making plans for your new extension, you will want to call a professional land surveyor. Hiring a professional surveyor can save you money, time, and frustration, protecting you from potential legal complications.
Property Boundaries
One of the reasons you will need a land surveyor for your property extension planning is to ensure you have accurate boundary lines. Even if you think you know what your property boundaries are, you cannot rely on old documents or informal agreements. Professional surveys provide:
- Accurate measurements using advanced cutting edge equipment and technology providing you with precise results
- Confirm boundaries or place new ones, if necessary
- Legal documentation is provided that can be used should you get into a boundary dispute with neighbours
Regulation Compliance
When you plan an extension on your existing property, you need to adhere to local regulations, including building regulations. Surveyors play a vital role in helping you navigate the complexities of local regulations:
- Meet Local Requirements - this is how far your building can be from roads and other structures
- Easements and Rights of Way - identify any easements or fights of way that could impact your plans
- Processing Permission - accurate surveys are often needed when applying for planning permission, streamlining the approval process
Potential Problems
Extending your property without a survey in place is guesswork. Eliminate the guesswork and reduce the risk of potential problems by having a professional land surveyor carry out a comprehensive pre-construction surveyor, helping to identify:
- Topography - noting all features including drainage patterns, natural features such as trees, along with any man-made features
- Utilities and Services - locate underground utilities and services, preventing the risk of causing expensive damage during excavation
- Environment - environmental concerns such as flood zones and protected areas can be identified
Reduce the Risk of Legal Disputes
Property extensions are exciting, but they can be overwhelming, frustrating, and costly. Reduce the risk of costly legal disputes by hiring a surveyor to carry out a comprehensive survey:
- Legal evidence - surveyors reports can be used as legal evidence of property boundaries and compliance with regulations
- Reduce Encroachments - surveyors ensure your extension doesn't encroach on your neighbours, violating easements
Conclusion
Extending your property is not a small task, it takes a significant investment and you want to ensure it is carried out correctly the first time. Hiring a professional surveyor to provide you with accurate data is valuable to ensure your extension goes ahead as planned. Do not start any extension project without a survey in place, helping to reduce the risk of potential problems and expensive legal disputes. Call MB Survey Solutions today to book your survey if you are planning to extend your UK property.