"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

Expanding or Redeveloping a Commercial Property? Here’s Why You Need a New Land Survey

Building on What You Already Own

Redeveloping or expanding an existing commercial property can be a smart way to increase revenue without the cost of buying new land. But before you add that new building wing, extend your parking lot, or reconfigure your site, you need to make sure your plans work on paper before they work on the ground.

That’s where a new commercial land survey comes in. At South Texas Surveying, we help property owners, developers, and contractors across Houston, Katy, Baytown, and The Woodlands avoid costly mistakes when modifying existing sites.

Why Redevelopment Requires Updated Survey Data

Even if you had a survey done when you purchased your property, a lot can change over time:

• New easements added for utilities or city projects

• Shifts in property boundaries due to adjacent development

• Changes in zoning codes affecting allowable build areas

• Encroachments from neighboring properties or tenants

• Updated floodplain maps that impact design and permitting

Without current survey data, you risk violating codes, encroaching on easements, or creating drainage problems that can stall your project—or worse, trigger legal disputes.

Types of Surveys Used in Redevelopment

📏 Boundary Survey

Confirms exactly where your property lines are today—not years ago.

🌐 Topographic Survey

Maps elevation changes, drainage patterns, and site features—critical when modifying grading or adding structures.

📋 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

Essential if you’re financing the redevelopment, as it combines legal, title, and physical property details in one compliant document.

Case Study: Restaurant Expansion in Houston

A restaurant owner in West Houston planned to double their seating capacity with an outdoor dining area. Our updated survey revealed a utility easement running through the proposed build site. Because we caught it before construction, the owner was able to shift the design and avoid a $35,000 utility relocation bill.

The Bottom Line

Redevelopment and expansions are opportunities to grow your business, but they come with their own risks. A current survey ensures your plans fit your property—not the other way around.

Why Choose South Texas Surveying?

• ✅ Experience with commercial sites of all sizes

• 🏗️ Fast turnaround to keep construction schedules on track

• 📄 Lender- and permit-ready documentation

• 📍 Expertise in Houston-area zoning and property regulations

Before you start breaking ground on an expansion or redevelopment, make sure you know exactly what you’re working with. South Texas Surveying delivers the accurate, up-to-date data that keeps your project moving forward—without costly surprises.