"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.