"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Why You Need a Land Survey Before Storm Season in Texas

Storms Are Inevitable—But Property Damage Doesn’t Have to Be

Every year, Texas faces unpredictable—and increasingly intense—storm seasons. From flash flooding in Fort Bend to hurricane threats along Galveston Bay, extreme weather doesn’t just threaten safety. It threatens property values, legal compliance, and future development potential.

That’s why smart property owners and developers invest in a professional land survey before storm season begins.

At South Texas Surveying, we help clients across Houston and surrounding counties uncover hidden risks, verify drainage patterns, and comply with elevation requirements—before the first storm cloud rolls in.

What a Pre-Storm Survey Reveals

Storm damage is often worsened by unseen land issues like:

• 🌊 Improper drainage slope or runoff direction

• 🧱 Structures built below base flood elevation (BFE)

• 🛤️ Encroachments into floodways or drainage easements

• 📐 Missing or outdated elevation certificates

• ⚠️ Unrecorded improvements vulnerable to wind or water

📎 A professional survey gives you a current snapshot of your land’s legal, physical, and environmental condition—vital for mitigation, insurance, and peace of mind.

Survey Types That Help Prepare for Texas Storms

Survey TypeStorm Season BenefitTopographic SurveyShows elevation, grading, and slope that influence runoff and drainageElevation CertificateRequired for accurate flood insurance rates and FEMA complianceBoundary SurveyHelps identify encroachments or issues with drainage easementsImprovement SurveyVerifies that all structures are correctly sited on high ground or legal areasFloodplain SurveyMaps FEMA zones and local flood data to guide construction or upgrades

Who Needs a Storm-Readiness Survey?

• 🏠 Homeowners in flood-prone neighborhoods or low-lying areas

• 🏗️ Developers and builders preparing for permits and drainage reviews

• 🏢 Commercial property owners managing liability and risk exposure

• 📜 Title companies and insurers requiring up-to-date elevation data

• 🛠️ Contractors installing drainage systems, pads, or retaining walls

Why Timing Matters

• Storm season in Texas generally runs June through November, with most major storms hitting late summer

• Cities and counties become overwhelmed with drainage and permitting requests after major rain events

• Waiting until after a flood means you’re reacting—not preparing

📍 A pre-season survey can prevent thousands in damages, insurance delays, or denied building permits.

Counties Where Pre-Storm Surveys Are Especially Critical

• Galveston County: Coastal risk + FEMA flood zone overlays

• Harris & Montgomery Counties: High-density development = runoff and detention issues

• Liberty & Chambers Counties: Flat topography = slow drainage and pooling

• Fort Bend & Brazoria Counties: New neighborhoods + legacy infrastructure = hidden risks

• Waller County: Rapid development without updated drainage plans

How a Survey Can Reduce Insurance Costs

A current Elevation Certificate or floodplain survey can:

• ✅ Prove a structure is built above the base flood elevation

• ✅ Help lower flood insurance premiums

• ✅ Satisfy lender requirements faster

• ✅ Speed up FEMA map revision requests (LOMAs or LOMRs)

Why Texans Trust South Texas Surveying Before the Rain Hits

✔️ Certified elevation data accepted by FEMA, lenders, and insurers
✔️ Fast turnaround before permitting deadlines
✔️ Local drainage and floodplain expertise
✔️ Service across Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers, and Waller counties

📞 Don’t wait for the next storm to find out your property wasn’t ready. Call South Texas Surveying today.

Storms Are Coming—Is Your Property Ready?

In Texas, storm damage isn’t just about wind or rain—it’s about preparation. A land survey gives you the insight and documentation needed to build smarter, insure properly, and protect your investment before it’s too late.

📍 Start storm season with clarity. Contact South Texas Surveying today.