Improvement Survey Services

An Improvement Survey is a specialized land survey that documents all existing improvements and structures on a property. This includes buildings, fences, driveways, sidewalks, pools, retaining walls, and above-ground utility features. Unlike a boundary survey, which focuses solely on property lines, an improvement survey provides a detailed map of how all constructed elements relate to those lines, easements, and setback requirements.

Why Improvement Surveys Are Essential

• Renovation & Expansion Planning: Before adding new structures or renovating existing ones, an accurate survey ensures you know the footprint and position of all current improvements.
• Legal Compliance: Verifies that structures do not violate setback or easement regulations and helps with permit applications.
• Real Estate Transactions: Provides buyers and lenders with a clear picture of all improvements for title insurance and closing requirements.
• Maintenance & Liability: Identifies potential encroachments or unauthorized improvements that could pose future legal or insurance issues.

The Improvement Survey Process

1. Record Research: We begin by reviewing deed records, plats, and any existing surveys to understand the legal description and recorded improvements.
2. Field Data Collection: Our surveyors conduct a thorough field inspection using GPS/GNSS and total stations to locate and measure all visible improvements and reference points.
3. Data Analysis & Mapping: Field measurements are processed in CAD software to create a precise drawing showing each improvement’s location relative to property lines and easements.
4. Quality Control: We cross-check measurements against recorded documents and perform spot checks to ensure accuracy.
5. Final Deliverables: You receive a certified improvement survey plat, digital CAD files, and a report outlining any potential compliance issues or encroachments.

Who Needs an Improvement Survey?

Homeowners planning additions or landscaping, commercial property managers overseeing facility expansions, real estate agents facilitating transactions, and legal professionals resolving property disputes all benefit from an improvement survey. It delivers the actionable data you need to proceed confidently with any property modification or transfer.