ALTA Surveys
What Is an ALTA Survey
An ALTA survey is a comprehensive land survey conducted in accordance with the American Land Title Association (ALTA) standards. It is used by lenders, title insurance companies, real estate developers and other parties involved in a property transaction. The survey includes boundary lines and any easements or encroachments that may exist on the property. Additionally, it will include topographic features, wetlands and any buildings or other improvements on the land. The survey is conducted by a licensed professional land surveyor who verifies the accuracy and completeness of all information found on the property. This ensures that all parties involved in the transaction have accurate information about the boundaries and features of the property. With an ALTA survey, buyers and sellers have peace of mind that the property is accurately represented and all legal requirements are satisfied.
Why Do I Need an ALTA Survey
ALTA surveys are typically needed when land is being purchased or leased, subdivided, developed or mortgaged. They can also be used to determine boundary lines during disputes involving adjacent property owners. ALTA surveys are most commonly used in commercial real estate transactions and provide an extremely accurate survey of the area under consideration. An ALTA survey will include information about the boundaries of the parcel, legal access points to the parcel, and other features such as existing improvements (buildings), encroachments onto neighboring parcels, flood plains and wetlands. In addition, an ALTA Survey may include a topography map that shows elevations around the surveyed area. It is important to note that ALTA Surveys are not required for all types of real estate transactions, but they are often beneficial in avoiding legal complications that may otherwise arise. By obtaining an ALTA survey prior to a transaction or property dispute, both parties can have a clear understanding of the boundaries and features of the surveyed parcel. This helps to ensure smooth and accurate negotiations as well as providing peace of mind knowing there will be no unexpected surprises down the road.
ALTA Survey Process
ALTA surveys are performed by a team of surveyors and engineers who have the expertise to accurately map out any land area. The process begins with a study of existing documents related to the property, such as deeds, titles, plat maps and other site information. This is used to develop a complete understanding of how the land was originally divided and where boundaries are located.
The survey team then examines aerial photographs of the property to get an overall sense of its layout. Then they use specialized surveying equipment such as total stations, GPS systems, or robotic total stations to measure angles and distances between various points on the ground. This allows them to precisely plot out each boundary line and establish exact elevations for all corners and points in question.
Surveyors also take the time to locate any visible features, such as existing buildings or monuments, and measure them for accuracy. Finally, all survey data is combined into a comprehensive report that contains detailed legal descriptions of the surveyed property in accordance with ALTA standards. This report is then used by engineers, architects, and other professionals to develop construction plans or other land use decisions.
FAQ
Every assignment is unique, which affects the amount of time needed to complete an ALTA survey. At GT Surveyors, we understand the importance of customer service and prioritize providing accurate results as quickly as possible - contact us today for a timeline on your project!
Every project is unique, which means that the cost and time of completion for your commercial construction survey may vary. Don't hesitate to contact us today for a personalized quote!
ALTA surveys are essential for ensuring your building project meets necessary standards and safeguards property owners from potential troubles or lawsuits.
Only a licensed surveyor like GT Surveyors is approved and able to conduct an ALTA survey.
