How Land Surveyors Support Your Commercial Real Estate Investments

Before investing in commercial property, you should have the property surveyed. Commercial real estate owners must understand the variety of land surveying services available. Land surveyors don’t simply find property lines, pack up their bags, and hand you a drawing. They are certified professionals who support you through all stages of your property ownership.

Topographic Land Surveying Services

Water runoff onto a building’s foundation leads to expensive repairs. Topographic surveys help you see how the terrain lies throughout the property. They identify where water flows throughout the property.

If you are planning to build, grading the construction area is expensive. A topographic survey helps you identify the most cost-effective placement of a new structure. The engineer designs the layout so parking lots and terrain divert water from the building.

Construction Staking Support

Land surveyors are vital to the construction industry. They convert your building plans to physical stakes for contractors to use as construction points. This ensures that buildings, parking lots, or utilities are installed according to your engineering plan.

Utility or Easement Location

Every utility line or pole should have a corresponding easement authorizing the item to be there. It gives maintenance and repair crews access to the property. Your land survey often shows the location of the easements. For commercial properties, many title companies require that you provide a survey with this information.

Structure Movement Analysis

Buildings move as the ground shifts beneath and around them. Land surveyors establish how a structure moves over time. This is important to know if the land and building are susceptible to:

  • Floods
  • Earthquakes
  • Water drainage
  • Hydrostatic pressure

Building a relationship with a company that provides professional land surveying services is a strategic move for every business owner. These companies are available to maintain the integrity of your property.

The Importance of Boundary Surveys and Analysis

Boundary surveys play an important role in the legal documentation of property ownership. This includes proving that the use of the land complies with local regulations about zoning, proximity to environmentally sensitive areas, and other matters of local concern.

Boundary Analysis for Land Development

Boundary analysis is very important when developing or re-developing real estate because it involves a lot more than just confirming the edges of the property. That confirmation is the key information you need to make sure you understand where you can build and how local zoning rules affect your plans. Some locations restrict how close to the edge of the property you can build, for example, and that is not the only limitation a boundary survey could help you work within.

Even when there is no limitation on how close to the edge of your property you build, a full survey with analysis will ensure you know how to avoid encroachments or boundary disputes with other property owners. If a dispute does arise, the survey map will be registered with the state and can be used to support your side.

Boundary Surveys and Legal Disputes Over Land

If you think that a neighbor has encroached on your land, boundary surveys can also be used to make your case. They are also useful for establishing negative impacts from nearby environmental hazards and establishing the exact proximity of two properties for disputes over land use that have nothing to do with boundary encroachment at all. Since surveys are the result of a complex analytical process, there are times when surveys by different professionals could disagree, at which point the court reviews their processes and weighs their professional opinions. Try checking out https://www.chrisnelsonassociates.com/services/ for any questions you might have.

How Do Shorelines Get Mapped?

Shoreline mapping is vital for several reasons. With climate control and the rising sea level, these measurements can show signs of erosion and deposition. This information gives coastal engineers information about how things are changing and at what rate. Land surveying and mapping play an essential role in watching the climate and how it is changing.

How Does Land Surveying and Mapping Work?

Land surveying uses geometry to correctly measure certain angles and alignments, as well as note any changes. Surveying can help detect climate change, create accurate maps, aid in construction, or improve land development.

These days, engineers often approach shoreline mapping with technology. Tools like aerial system drones, GPS, and laser scanners help provide an accurate picture that can give coastal engineers the information needed.

Shores often start encroaching on land, and as these changes happen, finding ways to adapt is crucial. It can also further encourage research into why the shoreline is changing, how that impacts the human race and animals, and what needs to be done about it. 

Why Do Shorelines Change?

Shorelines change due to movement in the sand. Wind, currents, and waves can all have an impact on the sand’s movement. Sea level changes also impact the shoreline. The sea level is rising due to the changing temperature of the water. As the water temperature increases, it expands, taking up more room. In addition, ice glaciers and sheets are melting, also contributing to the higher sea levels. Land surveying and mapping, as well as shoreline mapping, give researchers the information they need to learn more about global warming and its impact. 

An Explanation of What Civil Engineers Do

A civil engineer Malibu can play an important role in a variety of projects involving the development, maintenance, or improvement of key infrastructure. Their contributions are integral to project planning, and they may also participate in key project management functions. These professionals’ efforts facilitate the construction and modernization of vital infrastructure such as roadways, bridges, or water and sewer systems,

A Civil Engineer Malibu Can Study and Document Current Conditions

If a municipality or a private business entity is considering changes to a structure or a system, enlisting the expertise of one or more civil engineers might be the first step. Engineers can perform a comprehensive study of the condition of existing structures and systems. Then, they may evaluate what needs to happen in order to preserve their condition or enhance their capabilities to accommodate an increase in usage.

Civil Engineers Can Plan Projects Efficiently

A civil engineer can help developers create designs for building or improving a major piece of infrastructure such as a bridge. They may evaluate what type of building materials will best serve a project’s objectives.

In addition, civil engineers can examine the best way to integrate new structures or systems with existing infrastructure. For example, a large real estate development is going to need access to municipal water supplies, and it might also require the creation of new roadways so that people are able to reach a particular location with ease.

A Civil Engineer Malibu Can Assist With PermittingIn general, civil engineers must have a working understanding of relevant building codes as well as local zoning regulations. For more information about civil engineers, check out https://www.chrisnelsonassociates.com/contact/. A civil engineer Malibu can help clients prepare schematics that are necessary to get permits for their projects.

What Does a Civil Engineering Technician Do?

Civil engineering technicians play a vital role in the process of designing, planning, and building new structures. Although they do not take the lead in these tasks, they possess important skills that assist civil engineers in bringing projects to life. Read on to learn what civil engineering services a technician may perform.

Civil Engineering Technician Job Duties

In order to understand the civil engineering technician position, you should familiarize yourself with its primary job duties. Some of the most common responsibilities of this position include reviewing plans, identifying the necessary materials, and estimating construction costs.

A civil engineering technician may also oversee the management of documents and reports relating to a specific development project. This task is particularly important when it comes time to apply for permits or ensure compliance with local codes.

Civil Engineering Technician Qualifications

Technicians must possess specific qualifications in order to perform the aforementioned duties. Unlike civil engineers, who usually must possess a license, there are no licensure requirements for technicians, but there are several other criteria these professionals must meet.

In most cases, a technician will have an associate’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Alternatively, you may complete a certificate or diploma program in the discipline. In addition to educational requirements, many technicians have prior experience in construction or design.

Learn More About Civil Engineering Services

The importance of a civil engineering technician shouldn’t be underestimated. They often provide the support that’s necessary to bring development to fruition. This career is a great way to gain experience in civil engineering services. Check out https://www.chrisnelsonassociates.com/services/civil-engineering/ if you are interested in civil engineering.

What You Should Know Before Fencing Your Yard

Fencing in your yard is a fantastic way to improve the exterior of a southern California home. To make sure your project goes off without a hitch, you need to do some smart advance planning Before you begin work, getting assistance from a land surveyor Malibu can help you ascertain the exact location of your property line. You’ll also have to pick out the right material for your project, choose contractors discerningly, and come up with an accurate budget.

Start Planning By Contacting a Land Surveyor Malibu 

A land survey is an important preliminary step in planning a fence installation. A survey can tell you exactly where you may construct improvements without encroaching on a neighboring property line.

Estimate Costs Carefully

Staying on a budget will help to make undertaking any type of project a stress-free experience. If you’re going to be hiring a fencing company to perform the work, seek several estimates. Get some input on the right choice of material to suit your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.

Get Help From a Land Surveyor Malibu To Achieve Your Project Goals 

In fencing projects, having an accurate rendering of your property for reference purposes will equip you to plan the location of your installation strategically. With help from a land surveyor Malibu, you’ll be able to maximize the size of an enclosure without having to worry about overstepping your boundaries.

A new fence may raise your home’s value and boost its curb appeal. It can also make your yard more private and secure. Ultimately, this type of home improvement project can yield a good return on your investment.

Do You Need a Land Surveyor To Fence Your Yard?

If you want to fence in your yard, you want to ensure that you go about it correctly. Before you begin work, it may be necessary to get assistance from a land surveyor Malibu.

Land Surveying Is a Smart First Step for Making Improvements on Your Property

A land survey can show you the exact boundaries of your property line, so you’ll know exactly where you should plan on installing your fence. Confirming where your property ends and the next property begins spares you from encroaching on a neighboring parcel of land. This type of mistake could result in having to redo work.

Verifying your boundaries with precision also enables you to maximize the size of the area that you fence in. When you know where you stand, you can avoid making a fence smaller than it has to be to avoid an encroachment.

A Land Surveyor Malibu Can Help You Plan Your Project the Right Way

Installing a high fence is an excellent way to make your property more secure, add privacy, or protect pets that are capable of clearing a great height when they jump. In Los Angeles county, you may have to get a permit before you put a high fence on your property. Permitting requirements depend on the zoning regulations where your home is located as well as whether you intend to fence the front or back of your property.

Ultimately, you could need an updated representation of your property to undertake this type of work. A land surveyor Malibu can prepare materials that may help with planning and permitting.

How Does Drainage Affect Civil Engineering?

A civil engineering team is usually responsible for considering every aspect of a building and carefully planning how to overcome obstacles. One of the biggest things they must consider is how water will affect the construction site.

This obstacle has been a major factor for a long time. Ancient civilizations even had to face this by developing complex drainage systems. Unfortunately, while the water’s essential, it can also be devastating. It can cause severe damage to buildings, roads, and more. Here are some obstacles modern engineers must create drainage plans for during projects. 

Stormwater Threatens Buildings

It precipitates in every state throughout the United States. Sudden winter snow or spring rain can leave inches or feet of precipitation on the ground around a building. Therefore, civil engineers must ensure that they have proper drainage plans in effect so that the water does not threaten their structures. They consider the altitude, geography, vegetation, population, and traffic. 

Standing Water Impacts Pavement

Regarding roads, you might not expect standing water to be a big deal. However, snowmelt and heavy rains can leave standing water on roads, which causes significant issues with the pavement. Some of these include:

  • Unsafe driving conditions
  • Eroded asphalt that leads to cracks and potholes
  • Warped roads

Sewer Systems Can Get Unsanitary

Another important reason someone would hire civil engineering services before constructing their project is that sewer systems can get unsanitary if they are not properly thought out. In addition, broken pipes and sewer backups can result from a system that doesn’t have proper drainage, so plans must be made, especially for commercial buildings. Aside from ensuring the system is safe, they can keep your building smell-free, safe from damage, and more environmentally friendly. 

All kinds of projects face the threat of water. However, a civil engineer can ensure that proper drainage is in place to minimize the damage. 

Civil Engineers: Their Role and Importance

Walking down the street, moving through an airport, and building a new house or apartment complex seem routine; we rarely consider the buildings or their origin. However, the truth is that all of these structures passed through the hands of a civil engineer at some point.

What role does a civil engineer play, exactly? Civil engineers are professionals who assist in planning and supervising construction projects on buildings, roads, dams, bridges, and more.

What Can a Civil Engineer Do for You?

Civil engineering is present in your everyday life. Generally speaking, there are two main branches of civil engineering:

  • Civil construction: working with building design and management.
  • Structural civil engineering: working with the resistance and durability of buildings.

A civil engineer is a multidisciplinary professional. They apply calculation, mechanics, hydraulics, and physics to infrastructure design, building, and maintenance. If you are thinking of building or remodeling an existing building, you will need their help.

For example, a civil engineer at a technical level will be in charge of choosing adequate materials for a project. They analyze and think about the different land features (seismic zone, humidity, etc.) to make good decisions. In the administrative aspect, they need to know the applicable law and regulations and ensure your project has adhered to them. But their job also implies knowledge of the economy as they work with project budgets.

A civil engineer is directly related to the work in progress and needs to know about electronics and architecture. And they also must be capable of working with everyone else on the construction site: technicians, architects, painters, bricklayers, and others.

What Are Some of Their More Frequent Tasks?

Some more common tasks performed by a civil engineer are:

  • Planning
  • Design
  • Research and studies
  • Auxiliary labors
  • Administration
  • Mentorship

They are capable of working on private and small projects (houses, businesses). As well as large-scale work for governments (transportation, spatial planning, environmental projects). Visit https://www.chrisnelsonassociates.com/services/civil-engineering/conceptual-design/ for more information on conceptual design.

What Do ALTA and NSPS Stand for?

When you want full confidence while buying, selling or just understanding a piece of land, NPS ALTA surveys can give you peace of mind. These surveys are specific and enforced by leaders in the industry, so that you know exactly what to expect.

NSPS

NSPS stands for National Society of Professional Surveyors. This association has been around since the 1980s and has been upholding high standards for land surveys in a variety of ways. It is active in local politics and regulation agencies, where it advises on laws and statutes to protect civil engineers and their clients. To qualify for NSPS, a survey must follow all local and national guidelines and clearly describe all pertinent features of the land, including buildings, utilities, elevation, water and ownership. NSPS is also well-known for its advocacy and education programs.

ALTA

ALTA stands for American Land Title Association. If you or your business need to buy or sell land, ALTA is a great resource to ensure your transfer of ownership goes as smoothly as possible. The association offers guidelines to ensure anyone can understand how to transfer titles. ALTA surveys focus precisely on the information you need in order to fill out all the required paperwork correctly. A civil engineer who offers this kind of survey has completed training on best practices and knows how to keep you out of trouble, whether you’re buying, selling or bequeathing land.

Together, ALTA and NSPS have created a minimum standard for land surveys and continually monitor how surveys are done to ensure best practices and customer satisfaction. Chris Nelson & Associates offers this kind of survey so that you know what to expect: a carefully crafted document that describes the services you’ll receive and ensures you have all the information you need before changing your land title.