"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

What to Expect During a Land Survey in Houston: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Land Survey? Here’s What to Expect

Whether you're purchasing property, preparing for construction, or planning to refinance, a land survey is an essential step in protecting your investment. But for many Houston property owners, the process can feel unfamiliar or unclear.

At South Texas Surveying, we believe the more you know, the better. This guide walks you through what happens before, during, and after your survey—so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.

1. Why You Might Need a Land Survey

A survey gives you legally and physically accurate information about your land, including:

• Boundary lines

• Lot dimensions

• Easements and setbacks

• Structures and encroachments

• Elevation and topography (if applicable)

📌 Surveys are commonly ordered for real estate closings, new construction, fence installation, flood zone verification, platting, and development.

2. Step One: Scheduling the Survey

When you contact a professional surveyor (like South Texas Surveying), we’ll begin by gathering key information:

• Your address or legal property description

• The reason for the survey (e.g., sale, construction, boundary check)

• Your timeline and any related deadlines (title company, permit, lender, etc.)

• Any existing documents like prior plats, deeds, or site plans

📎 At this stage, we’ll also confirm which type of survey you need—such as a boundary survey, Category 1A, ALTA/NSPS, or topographic.

3. Step Two: Title and Records Research

Our team will review available public records, including:

• Current and past deeds

• Plat maps

• Easement documents

• Legal descriptions on file with the county

• Title commitments, if available

This research ensures we’re surveying the correct property with legal accuracy—especially important in older neighborhoods like Montrose or rural areas where boundary descriptions may vary.

4. Step Three: Fieldwork on the Property

A survey crew will visit your site and:

• Locate or set property corners and boundary markers

• Use GPS and total stations to measure the site precisely

• Record all visible improvements, fences, driveways, or buildings

• Map easements, rights-of-way, and encroachments if present

• For topographic surveys, document elevation, slope, drainage, and vegetation

📍 The fieldwork usually takes a few hours to a full day depending on the size and complexity of the property.

5. Step Four: Drafting the Survey

Back at the office, our team creates a professional drawing of the property that includes:

• Accurate boundary lines and lot dimensions

• North arrow and scale

• All visible improvements and features

• Recorded easements, building lines, and access routes

• Floodplain information (if applicable)

• Legal notes, surveyor's certification, and signature

You’ll receive a PDF and/or printed copy of the survey suitable for title review, permitting, construction, or documentation.

6. Final Delivery and Review

Once the survey is complete, we’ll:

• Email or mail the final drawing to you, your title company, lender, or permitting office

• Be available to answer questions or provide clarifications

• Provide additional copies or revisions if needed

• Offer support for replatting, construction staking, or additional services

📎 At South Texas Surveying, we make it easy to integrate your survey into the next phase of your project.

How Long Does a Survey Take in Houston?

Typical turnaround times are:

• Category 1A survey: 3–5 business days

• Boundary survey: 5–7 business days

• Topographic or ALTA survey: 7–10 business days

• Rush jobs: Available upon request (especially for real estate closings)

Counties We Serve

We provide expert surveying services across:

• Harris County – including Houston, Bellaire, Cypress

• Fort Bend County – including Katy, Richmond, Sugar Land

• Montgomery County – including Conroe, The Woodlands

• Brazoria County – including Pearland, Alvin

• Galveston County, Liberty County, Waller County, and Chambers County

Why Choose South Texas Surveying?

✔️ 40+ years of surveying experience in the Houston metro area
✔️ Fast, professional turnaround for title companies, homeowners, and developers
✔️ Licensed surveyors familiar with city and county permitting requirements
✔️ Detailed drawings, excellent customer service, and local knowledge

📞 Ready to schedule your survey? Let South Texas Surveying walk your land and deliver the answers you need.

A Land Survey Gives You Clarity and Confidence

From residential transactions to commercial developments, land surveys provide the legal foundation for sound decisions. When you work with South Texas Surveying, you get more than a drawing—you get a trusted team that understands Houston real estate inside and out.

📍 We’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.