Before purchasing vacant land you want to ensure you get all the data necessary about its boundaries, mineral composition, and anything else that might affect its value or your plans for that parcel. One consideration is to have a topographical survey done on the land before your purchase. This is a survey of the features of the land on its surface as well as just below the surface. It will include information about the slope of the land, trees and their roots, as well as any streams, rivers, and other natural features on the land.

Note a few reasons why such a survey should be done for any vacant parcel you may be considering for purchase.

1. Slopes may require retaining walls and other engineering features be installed

If you construct a home or any type of building on land that is not completely flat, you may need to construct retaining walls and other engineering features to protect that building from landslides and floods. This can add considerable cost to the construction project, depending on the number and size of the walls and other features that need to be added.

2. The ground may need extensive clearing before construction

A topographical survey can tell you what's on the surface of the land but will also note features just below the land's surface, such as tree roots or underground streams. These can interfere with your construction project and you may need to plan for extensive clearing of the land before you can build. A topographical survey can tell you of all these features that may affect your plans for construction or that will need to be removed, and this too can add significant cost to your construction project.

3. Boundaries can be confirmed

It can be difficult to note real boundaries on vacant land, but a topographic survey can ensure that you're getting all the land you assume before you purchase. You can also note the exact boundaries of the land so you know what natural features may be included, such as that stream you want to build a house next to, and which might actually fall outside your property's boundaries.

4. Easements can be noted

An easement is when a neighbor has the right to cross or enter your property in order to get to their own; their property may be set back from the road so that you need to share a driveway or their driveway may have already been built over your property. It's important you know if there are easements on your property as your neighbor will have the legal right to use these even though they are on your property.

For more information, check out companies such as John C Bested & Associates Pty Ltd.

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