You're probably eager to have your new home built. However, before the construction can begin, you'll need to have a professional conduct a property survey. Regardless of the size or scope of the project, you’ll need to stake the plot’s boundaries with precision long before your building contractor breaks ground. Confirming the property lines isn’t all the survey will do, though. Here are some other critical elements the survey will evaluate. 

How Does a Property Survey Help With New Home Construction?

1. Flood Plains 

If the plot on which you’re going to build is located in a flood hazard area according to FEMA, you’ll want to confirm where the biggest problem areas lie. A comprehensive survey should reveal as much so that you can adjust the building plans as needed to account for any such issues. Depending on the circumstances, your contractor may recommend tweaking the foundation to facilitate better drainage or changing the orientation of the structure entirely.  

2. Existing Easements 

Easements essentially grant access to a portion of the property to a person or organization other than the landowner. They might apply to utility providers, neighbors, or the general public. 

The survey should indicate any easements with dashed lines. It’s imperative that you know what rights are granted where because your construction cannot hinder them. For example, if there's an easement that allows a gas line to run through your property, you can't build any structures that impede it.

3. Encroachments

Encroachments refer to improvements that were not constructed by the owner but pass through some portion of the property. For example, a neighbor may have built a fence, walkway, or shed near or past your property boundary. The precise dimensions of any such encroachments will be noted in the survey so that you can address them prior to building your new house. 

For a comprehensive property survey in North Georgia and the Atlanta Metro area, turn to D & S Land Surveying Inc. Founded in 1997, this family-owned and -operated business features licensed experts who can survey and stake residential plots. They'll conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure the construction of your new home goes as smoothly as possible. Call (770) 720-4443 to discuss your needs with a member of their team.