What Is A Property Survey and Why Do I Need One?
Understanding Property Surveys: Why You Need One Before Building a Swimming Pool
If you’re considering adding a Tiny Pool to your home, you’ve probably heard about the importance of a property survey. But what exactly is it, and why is it necessary?
What is a property survey?
A property survey is essentially a map or drawing that outlines the boundaries, dimensions, and any existing structures and protected trees on your property. It’s conducted by a licensed professional surveyor who measures and records these details to provide an accurate depiction of your property.
Why is a survey Needed to Build a Swimming Pool?
When it comes to building a swimming pool, a current, up-to-date property survey is crucial for several reasons:
Determining Property Boundaries: A survey ensures that you know exactly where your property lines are located. This is important to avoid encroaching on neighboring properties and to comply with local zoning regulations like setbacks.
Identifying Easements and Restrictions: Sometimes, properties have easements or restrictions that affect where you can place a pool. Easements might be designated for utilities or drainage, which could impact your pool’s location. Clearances related to protected trees or electrical infrastructure also affect pool size and placement.
Determining Impervious Cover: A survey showing the existing impervious cover lets us know exactly what size pool is possible in your yard, and in some cases, how much needs to be removed.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: The survey provides accurate measurements of your property and improvements, allowing you to plan the size, shape, and placement of your pool more effectively. It helps you avoid costly mistakes or changes during the construction phase that can arise due to an outdated survey.
Permitting and Compliance: Many local authorities, including the City of Austin, require a current, up-to-date property survey as part of the permit application process for pool construction. Taking a chance with an older survey can cause delays during the permitting process.
Where can I find a copy of my survey?
If you have recently purchased your home, sometimes you can find a copy of your survey with your closing documents. You can ask your real estate agent, builder, or title company if they can find a copy of it.
If you have a copy of a survey but it is out of date (property has been changed, or you have added things to your house/yard), you may need to obtain an updated survey.
How Do I Obtain a New Survey?
To get a property survey, you’ll need to hire a licensed surveyor. We have a short list of recommended local surveyors that we have worked with — just let us know if you need it!
The surveyor will visit your property, take measurements, and provide you with a detailed map of your land. While costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of your property, the investment is well worth the peace of mind and assurance it provides. We have seen surveys range anywhere from $750 to $2,000, depending on the property and the type of survey requested.
Why do I need a survey before I even decide to build a pool?
Having an updated survey while you are obtaining a pool construction proposal will make your site visit more productive and efficient for everyone! We’ll be able to know the size and placement possibilities for you, and we’ll be able to give you an accurate proposal in a timely manner.
In conclusion, a property survey is not just a piece of paper; it’s a vital tool that ensures your swimming pool project starts off on the right foot and complies with all regulations. By investing in a survey upfront, you’ll save yourself time, money, and potential headaches down the road. So, if you’re dreaming of that backyard oasis, make sure to include a property survey in your plans. Your future self will thank you!
