Hiring a registered surveyor is a crucial step in many property-related projects. Whether you’re buying, building, or subdividing land, a registered surveyor provides professional, legal confirmation of property boundaries and site features. But at what stage in your project should you engage their services? Understanding the right timing can save you from costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
Why Does Timing Matter?
A registered surveyor isn’t just someone you call when problems arise. Their expertise is best used early in the process, to establish accurate boundaries and ensure your project complies with legal and council requirements. Hiring them at the right time can prevent boundary disputes, rejected applications, or expensive construction errors.
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Key Situations When You Should Hire a Registered Surveyor
There are several common situations where hiring a registered surveyor is not only beneficial but often essential.
Before Buying or Selling Property
Before finalising a property sale, it’s wise to confirm that the boundaries match the legal title. A registered surveyor can perform a boundary or identification survey to ensure what you’re buying or selling is accurately represented. This protects you from future disputes or claims.
Before Building or Renovating
If you’re planning to build an extension, install a fence, or add a new structure, it’s critical to verify your property boundaries beforehand. A Registered Surveyor Sydney can provide a certified survey plan that confirms the exact location of legal boundaries, helping you avoid encroaching on a neighbour’s land or breaching council regulations.
Before Subdividing Land
Subdivision requires detailed planning and compliance with strict legal standards. A registered surveyor prepares the necessary subdivision plans, ensuring they meet NSW Land Registry and local council requirements. Engaging a surveyor early can streamline the approval process.
When Dealing with a Boundary Dispute
If you’re involved in a dispute with a neighbour over a fence, structure, or property line, a registered surveyor can conduct an official boundary survey. Their findings are legally recognised and can help resolve disputes by providing factual, certified information.
For Strata or Easement Plans
Creating a strata subdivision or registering an easement requires certified survey plans. Only a registered surveyor is authorised to prepare and certify these documents, which are essential for legal registration.
Why Hiring Early Saves Time and Money
Engaging a registered surveyor early in your project reduces the risk of delays, non-compliance, and costly rework. Their input ensures your plans are accurate from the start, preventing issues that may only surface once construction has begun.
Risks of Delaying a Registered Surveyor
Delaying a surveyor can have serious consequences. Building without verified boundaries risks encroachment on neighbouring properties, which could result in legal disputes or orders to alter or demolish structures. Councils may also reject plans if they lack certified surveys, leading to costly hold-ups.
How to Choose the Right Registered Surveyor
When selecting a surveyor, always verify their credentials through the NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI). It’s also wise to choose a surveyor familiar with your local council’s requirements, as regulations can vary by area. Seeking recommendations from builders, architects, or property professionals can also help you find a trusted expert.
Closing Thoughts
A registered surveyor plays a vital role in property transactions, building projects, and land development. Hiring them at the right time—before buying, building, or subdividing—can save you time, money, and stress. By engaging a qualified professional early, you’ll have the confidence that your project complies with legal boundaries and council approvals, helping you avoid costly problems down the track.
