"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

Do You Need a Survey Before Building a House in Texas? Yes—Here’s Why

You’ve found the perfect piece of land in Texas. You’ve got a builder lined up, plans in hand, and dreams of your new home taking shape. But before the first stake goes in the ground, there’s one critical step you can’t skip: getting a land survey.

From permitting to foundations, a professional survey ensures your home is built in the right place, on solid legal ground—literally.

Let’s walk through why a land survey is essential before construction starts, and how it can save you from major (and expensive) setbacks down the road.

What a Survey Does Before You Build

A land survey gives your builder, architect, engineer, and permitting office the exact layout of your lot. It shows:

• Where your property lines begin and end

• Setback requirements (how far from the edge you must build)

• Easements for utilities, drainage, or shared access

• Topographic data like elevation, slope, and drainage patterns

• Encroachments that could interfere with your build

Without that information, you're building blind.

Why Skipping a Survey Could Cost You Big

You might be tempted to use an old survey or skip one entirely. That’s a dangerous move. Here’s what can go wrong:

• Building over a setback or easement can result in denied permits or forced removal.

• Your foundation might encroach on a neighboring lot—leading to lawsuits or title issues.

• You could accidentally block a utility or drainage path, causing flood risks or county violations.

• Local planning departments may refuse to approve your plans without a current survey.

It only takes one mistake to turn a dream build into a legal nightmare.

Types of Surveys You May Need Before Construction

Depending on your location, project, and permitting requirements, you might need:

✅ Boundary Survey

Defines exact property lines, corners, and dimensions—critical for placing your foundation correctly.

✅ Topographic Survey

Maps elevation changes, slopes, and natural features—helps with drainage planning, grading, and engineering.

✅ Construction Staking Survey

Physically marks where to place the house, utilities, and other improvements based on your approved plans.

✅ Tree & Improvement Surveys

Required in some jurisdictions to document protected trees, fencing, driveways, or other existing structures.

South Texas Surveying can help you determine exactly what you need for your build and jurisdiction.

What Your Builder and Architect Get from a Survey

A current survey ensures everyone working on your project is aligned. Your team will use the survey to:

• Position your home properly on the lot

• Avoid future drainage or elevation issues

• Confirm zoning compliance

• Reduce the risk of delays or costly redesigns

It’s the first thing your builder should ask for—and if they don’t, that’s a red flag.

Permitting Offices Will Ask for It Anyway

In cities and counties across Texas, you’ll be required to submit a current land survey as part of the permitting process. Without it, your plans won’t get approved, and your timeline gets pushed back.

Why wait until the last minute when you can get ahead of the game?

South Texas Surveying: Your Partner Before You Build

We work with homeowners, custom home builders, architects, and permitting offices across the greater Houston area and beyond. Our team delivers fast, accurate surveys that make sure your home is built where it’s supposed to be, and approved when it’s supposed to be.

We handle:

• Residential boundary and topographic surveys

• Construction staking

• Permitting assistance

• Fast turnarounds and builder coordination

Don’t start construction on guesswork. Start it with confidence.