Getting a land survey before building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property can be a wise decision for several reasons:
1. Property Boundary Identification: A land survey can accurately identify the boundaries of your property. This ensures that your ADU is built within your property lines and doesn’t encroach on neighboring properties, which could lead to legal disputes later on.
2. Zoning Compliance: A survey can help ensure that your ADU complies with local zoning regulations, such as setback requirements and maximum building coverage. This can prevent potential issues with local authorities and neighbors down the line.
3. Construction Planning: Having a survey can aid in the planning and design of your ADU. It provides precise information about the topography, elevation, and any existing structures on your property, helping architects and builders make informed decisions.
4. Utilities and Easements: A survey can identify the location of utility lines and any easements on your property, which is crucial for planning the placement of your ADU and avoiding conflicts with utility providers or access issues.
5. Resale Value: A property with a recent survey can be more attractive to potential buyers in the future, as it provides them with accurate information about the boundaries and features of the land.
While getting a land survey involves an additional cost, it can potentially save you money and headaches in the long run by avoiding legal disputes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and facilitating a smoother construction process. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to consider getting a land survey before building an ADU on your property, especially if you don’t already have an up-to-date survey.
