What Are Land Surveyors?
posted 12th June 2024
Land surveyors are responsible for for surveying land for construction. They use specialist equipment to assist with new developments, building projects, home extensions, subdivisions, and more. It requires land surveyors to be accurate, providing data that can be used by architects, construction companies, electricians, and plumbers.
These professionals divide their time between researching and drawing in their offices to being on-site taking measurements and carrying out essential surveys. They provide the distances, slopes, heights, and other features that will impact the development or design of a property.
On-site, land surveyors use specialist equipment that captures distances and other data. They download this data into a mapping software once they are back in their offices. In some cases, the land surveyor will place pegs and tape to mark out the site, taking photographs. In the office, they use the data they captured to create detailed maps, helping identify if construction is possible with the current layout of the land.
Why Do I Need a Land Surveyor?
Land surveyors play a vital role in land development. Without these professionals, construction companies would be unsure on where to build a structure, or the infrastructure needed to ensure they are supported and safe. These professionals work with other building and development professionals.
Land surveyors offer more than one survey, determined by your goals and needs. These surveys include:
- Building or renovating – You need a land survey to carry out building work, whether you are building a new home or extending your existing home
- Confirm boundaries – Disputes over land boundaries is not uncommon. Whether you are erecting a fence or your neighbour is installing a green house, you want to ensure you do not encroach on your neighbours property. Land surveys help establish land boundaries
- Applying for Mortgage – Banks and other lenders often require a land survey as part of the mortgage application. This is to ensure any risk is mitigated. The survey is essential to ensure that there isn't anything that will impact your safety or affect the property value prior to you making your purchase
- Prevent disputes and liability problems – With a land survey you can reduce the risk of liability issues, such as planning violations.
When Are Land Surveyors Used?
Land surveyors are used in a variety of situations, including:
Residential
Land surveyors are used when building new houses, re-establishing boundaries, or subdividing properties. They are responsible for assessing the building and land, ensuring you meet local council guidelines.
Commercial
Land surveyors are involved in new developments including tunnels, mining projects, road works, high rise buildings, shopping malls, and more. They are one of the first professionals on site, collecting valuable data that will be used in the design and construction phases.
In Conclusion
Land surveyors go through up to four years apprenticeship course, achieving their Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma. They are professionals with knowledge and experience using specialist equipment and software to map out a piece of land or property. They are a valuable part of any new build or renovation in the commercial and residential property sectors.
By using a land surveyor you can resolve neighbour disputes over boundaries, you can build your new home or property with confidence, knowing the land is suitable, and you know the survey will assist your architect with the design, while providing the construction crew with the valuable data they need to construct your building as per the plans.