If you’re involved in a construction project, you may want to find out more details about the property before you start. Luckily, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) generates surveys that provide information on utility locations, boundary lines, easements, and other details. The following guide will explain why ALTA surveys are so useful.

Why Request an ALTA Survey?

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Standard boundary surveys establish a property’s specific boundary lines, which can be useful for residential real estate transactions or home additions. However, commercial properties are subject to a higher level of risk and scrutiny, so commercial realtors often use an ALTA survey because they are more detailed than the standard variety.

Along with information regarding property boundaries, an ALTA survey will also include information on any land improvements, easements, access routes, encroachments, legal property descriptions, zoning categories, features of the property, and many other insights. 

Title Verification

This detailed analysis can also look into title issues regarding the property in question. Existing title disputes will quickly derail a real estate deal if you’re lucky enough to discover them before you close on a property. If you should purchase a piece of land or property that is associated with title disputes, those problems will become yours along with the property. 

Along with ensuring there are no liens against the property for unpaid taxes or money owed to contractors, and to verify that the person selling the property has a legal right to it, an ALTA survey may also be integral in securing title insurance going forward. A title insurance policy protects you from future issues, and many insurers insist on a comprehensive title survey before policies can be created. 

What Happens During the Surveying Process?

First, the surveyor conducts an exhaustive search of records related to the land or property you’re interested in. However, these records can contain errors and inaccuracies, so they also perform a field investigation. They will seek out boundary lines and other markings indicating where one property ends and the other begins. 

Once the information has been compiled, you’ll receive a plat map of the property or land and a detailed report complete with the surveyor's extensive findings. If the final version is accepted by all parties involved, the survey is sealed and finalized and the transaction can proceed. 

If you’re looking for more information about a plot of land, contact the experts at Allied Surveying & Mapping. This qualified company helps many businesses and homeowners in Lincoln, NE, during this process by providing skilled surveying and construction staking service. Along with basic surveys, they also provide comprehensive assessments of your property that include certification once the survey is complete. Learn more about their services online or call (402) 434-2686 to schedule a consultation today.