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Planning Property Improvements? Here’s Why You Need a Land Survey First

Upgrades Are Exciting—But Only If They’re Built in the Right Spot

If you're planning to add a fence, garage, patio, pool, driveway, or even a home addition, it’s tempting to jump straight into the design and construction phase. But before you break ground, there’s one step that can protect your investment, avoid neighbor disputes, and keep your project legal: a professional land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we help homeowners, contractors, and real estate professionals across the Houston area get clarity before any major improvements go up—ensuring everything is built exactly where it should be.

What’s at Risk Without a Survey?

You might be surprised how often improvements are built outside the property line, in an easement, or too close to a setback—especially in older neighborhoods or unplatted lots.

• ❌ A fence may accidentally encroach on a neighbor’s land

• ❌ A garage or shed could block a utility easement

• ❌ A pool may be installed too close to the house or boundary line

• ❌ A driveway might cross an unpermitted piece of city property

• ❌ A home addition may violate HOA or municipal setback rules

📎 These mistakes can lead to lawsuits, city fines, or having to tear down expensive improvements.

When You Should Order a Survey for Property Improvements

• 🏡 Installing a fence or wall

• 🛠️ Building a garage, carport, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)

• 🏊 Adding a swimming pool or patio

• 🚪 Planning a room addition or second story

• 🏗️ Pouring new concrete for driveways or walkways

• 🧱 Landscaping with permanent structures like retaining walls or outdoor kitchens

Types of Surveys That Support Home Improvements

Survey TypeWhy It’s UsefulBoundary SurveyConfirms where your property begins and endsImprovement SurveyMaps existing structures and shows available build spaceTopographic SurveyHelps with grading, drainage, and elevation-sensitive projects like pools or patiosALTA/NSPS SurveyOften needed when refinancing during major home renovationsConstruction StakingPhysically marks where to build—especially helpful for contractors

How Surveys Help Avoid Conflict and Keep Projects Moving

✅ Prevent neighbor disputes and legal claims

✅ Stay compliant with city and county ordinances

✅ Get HOA or permitting approvals faster

✅ Provide contractors with clear boundaries and dimensions

✅ Support insurance or appraisal updates post-build

Where Homeowners in Houston Run Into Issues

• Older homes in The Heights or Montrose: Lot lines are often misaligned with fences or driveways

• Rapid-growth areas like Cypress, Richmond, and Conroe: Lots are being improved before proper surveys are on file

• Flood-prone areas of Brazoria or Liberty County: Surveys are needed to guide elevation and drainage-sensitive builds

• Suburban master-planned communities: HOA approvals often require up-to-date survey documentation

Why Property Owners Trust South Texas Surveying

✔️ Fast, affordable surveys for improvement projects of all sizes
✔️ Clear, easy-to-read documents accepted by city permitting offices and HOAs
✔️ Decades of experience helping homeowners build legally and confidently
✔️ Service across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Waller, Chambers, and Liberty counties

📞 Planning an upgrade to your property? Let South Texas Surveying give you the green light to build smart.

Build with Confidence, Not Assumptions

Every home improvement project changes the value and function of your property. A land survey ensures those changes are legal, smart, and stress-free. Don’t risk redoing a $20,000 project because of a $500 oversight.

📍 Call South Texas Surveying today to schedule your survey before you build.