5 March 2018
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

Before beginning development on any large tract of vacant residential land, it is important for land owners or developers to subdivide the land. Residential subdivision is the legal process through which land is divided into smaller lots or parcels to provide a fulfilling living environment for all those who will occupy the property once it has been developed. 

With that said, the process of subdivision on residential land commences when a developer — who may also be the land owner — contacts a subdivision contractor and informs them that they would like to develop some land. In response to this, the contractor can offer to create a design of the land's development potential.

Below is a look at some common types of land surveys that a subdivision contractor will perform when designing a subdivision.

Perimeter survey

Conducting a perimeter survey is an essential part of any land subdivision process. The survey helps to determine the exact size and physical location of a specific parcel of real estate property. The survey is used to find out the exact size of the property by measuring the distance along the boundaries of the land. This, in turn, helps to establish the property's true boundary lines and identify if there are any encroachments on the property. If there is an infringement on the property, it should be resolved before construction work can begin. Perimeter surveys are also called boundary surveys.

Topographic survey

Performing a topographic survey helps to identify the natural and artificial features of the parcel of land to be developed. As vacant land is essentially undeveloped, there will be no structures to cover when performing the survey. The survey will entail accurately identifying natural features such as wetlands and waterways that will affect the design of the subdivision and understanding the impact of those features. With documentation on the existing conditions at the proposed construction site, developers get the insight needed to make well-informed decisions about their development project. 

Site planning survey

Prior to beginning construction on your raw land, you will need to plan where to build the proposed structures. This is because you will need to obtain planning permission from your local council's building department. In this regard, a site planning survey will need to be performed. A subdivision contractor will use both the perimeter and topographic surveys to make a site plan for designing how developments will be made on the property.

For more information about the work that subdivision contractors do, feel free to speak to a local subdivision professional.