There are many reasons to have the land surveyed, including during new construction, buying a home, or adding an addition. Knowing the location of utilities, property lines, encroachments, and even old family burial grounds can be very helpful.
Utilities
It is easy to see above-ground poles and wires, but those buried underground are out of sight. The mapping of underground utilities Laurel MD can identify water, telephone and telegraph pipes, drains, electric, vaults, catch basins, manhole covers, wires, in addition to lines and poles. This identification is critical before beginning construction or excavation.
Cemeteries
It sounds like a scene out of a horror movie. An old family burial ground is hidden in the backyard, and no one notices until it is too late. It is unlikely, but it has happened. A land survey can show the precise location of any old cemeteries that may exist on the plot.
Encroachments
Properties can come with a variety of conditions such as projections, party walls, overhangs, joint driveways, rights-of support, and encroachments. One example is that a property owner may have an unknown legal obligation to support a neighbor’s driveway by maintaining their own. A land survey can help prevent boundary disputes in these and other situations.
Lines
The location of boundary lines or property lines is one of the most common reasons to have the land surveyed. Before building a fence, paving a driveway, or adding an addition to the house, these legal boundaries are essential to know. Sometimes, even though the lines may appear to be obvious, it is not unusual for people to make inaccurate assumptions about these lines.
Having land surveyed can fulfill a practical purpose, such as making sure a new fence is constructed along the true property line or installing an in-ground swimming pool. It can also identify hidden structures and other objects underground or help settle property disputes.