If there is one thing that we all feel confident in our knowledge of, it is surely our own homes. What could be more personal than the very space in which we spend such a significant chunk of our lives? However, while we might be intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of our homes, how much does any of us really know about its value and legal status?
For most of us, the answer is very little, which is quite surprising when you think about how important our homes are to each of us. If you would like to gain a deeper understanding of these aspects of your property, then you should hire the services of a surveyor.
1 Defining the Boundary Lines of Your Home
The question of where a home begins and ends might seem glaringly obvious; however, for many properties, it is far from clear-cut. If you are in any doubt as to exactly where your property, and therefore your legal rights and obligations, ends, then you should consider engaging the services of a surveyor.
2 Planning Future Construction
The role of a surveyor is varied; not only do they assist individuals with questions about their properties, but they also work alongside local governments, and sometimes private citizens, when they are planning future construction works. For individuals, they can advise on exactly where and what they can build. Meanwhile, local governments may approach these expert town planners with a range of projects.
3 Rights of Way and Easements
Having a survey conducted by a surveyor will give landowners a clear picture of any and all conditions that are imposed on them by law. It is important for landowners to understand their legal rights and obligations so that they can avoid running afoul of local laws and incurring potentially significant penalties.
4 Record Existing Improvements
A surveyor can certify that, at the time of their survey, all of the buildings and other improvements that have been made, including repairs, were present and existed. They can also certify that these structures and works are not in violation of any local laws and adhere to all the necessary restrictions.
In addition to this, if you have just come into possession of a property, or are considering doing so, then a surveyor can clarify for you whether the property violates any applicable laws or regulations.
5 Check Infrastructure
Some infrastructure, such as above ground poles and wires, are obvious and visible. However, much infrastructure is hidden underground, for example, pipes and concealed wires. A surveyor will have access to the necessary records to establish if any of these exist on your property and can advise you accordingly.
6 Access, Ingress, and Egress
At the very minimum, any survey of your land should inform you as to the physical access routes that exist, both for pedestrians and for vehicles, and whether these lead to public or private land.
Hiring a surveyor is absolutely the best way to find out more about the property. A surveyor can answer many of the more technical questions that you might have while also advising you about things you wouldn’t even think to ask.