Category 1A Surveys in Texas | Houston Land Title Surveys
"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
Everything You Need to Know About Category 1A Surveys in Texas
What Exactly Is a Category 1A Survey?
If you're involved in commercial real estate transactions in Texas, especially in markets like Houston, Conroe, Pearland, or Katy, you’ve likely been told you need a Category 1A survey before closing. But what is it—and why is it so important?
A Category 1A Land Title Survey, as defined by the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS), is the gold standard for identifying property boundaries, easements, encroachments, and improvements in commercial real estate deals. It’s often required by lenders, title companies, and attorneys to protect their interests in a transaction.
At South Texas Surveying, we specialize in providing fast, accurate Category 1A surveys throughout Greater Houston, including Montgomery County, Harris County, and Fort Bend County.
What Does a Category 1A Survey Include?
Unlike a basic boundary survey, a Category 1A survey includes a detailed review and mapping of both visible and recorded features affecting the property, such as:
Exact boundary lines and dimensions
Location of all structures and improvements (buildings, fences, driveways)
Easements (recorded and visible)
Encroachments onto or from adjoining properties
Access points, driveways, and rights-of-way
Utility lines, hydrants, manholes, and visible markers
Legal descriptions and adjoining property info
Optional zoning lines, setbacks, and floodplain data if requested
When Is a Category 1A Survey Required?
These surveys are typically required when:
Buying or selling commercial real estate in Texas
Refinancing commercial property
Obtaining title insurance
Performing due diligence before closing
Addressing potential boundary or easement issues
Meeting municipal or lender survey requirements
Category 1A vs ALTA Survey: What's the Difference?
Both Category 1A and ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys are used in commercial real estate, but there's a key distinction:
ALTA surveys follow national standards and are typically used in multi-state or institutional transactions.
Category 1A surveys follow Texas-specific guidelines from the TSPS and are often accepted by local title companies and banks within Texas.
If you’re closing on property in Houston or anywhere in Texas, your title company or lender will likely accept a Category 1A survey—often at a lower cost and faster turnaround than an ALTA.
Why Title Companies and Lenders Require Category 1A Surveys
A Category 1A survey is designed to help title companies and lenders:
Confirm the property’s legal boundaries
Identify any easements or restrictions that affect development or use
Protect against title claims or encroachments
Ensure access to public roads and utilities
Avoid legal disputes down the road
Without this survey, critical issues like shared driveways, improperly placed fences, or missing easements could go unnoticed—putting deals and developments at risk.
Areas We Commonly Serve in Texas
At South Texas Surveying, we’ve completed Category 1A surveys across:
Houston (Midtown, East End, Galleria, Spring Branch)
The Woodlands & Conroe – office parks, medical centers, retail
Pearland & Manvel – retail strip centers and pad site development
Katy, Tomball, and Cypress – build-to-rent, multifamily, and light industrial
Baytown, Pasadena & Deer Park – energy corridor and distribution hubs
Common Projects That Rely on Category 1A Surveys
Retail shopping centers
Gas stations and convenience stores
Industrial and warehouse properties
Office buildings and business parks
Multifamily and mixed-use developments
Re-development of existing urban lots
Call South Texas Surveying for Category 1A Survey Today?
✅ Deep understanding of Texas land title standards
✅ Fast, lender-compliant turnaround times
✅ Coordination with title companies and real estate attorneys
✅ Trusted by developers, brokers, and investors across Texas
✅ Extensive experience in both urban infill and large-lot suburban tracts
If you're buying, selling, or refinancing commercial property in Texas, don’t wait until the last minute to order your survey. A Category 1A survey from South Texas Surveying will protect your investment and keep your transaction on track.
