Fieldwork lays the groundwork for any construction project. In the context of building a house or any form of construction in Greater Boston, a thorough field survey is essential. Surveyors traverse the property and nearby streets, collecting horizontal topographical data, and all natural features such as trees, wetlands or ledge. This plan is the blueprint of the simplest terrain, guiding subsequent stages of the design process.
In this article, we'll help you understand the top three survey plans you need when building a house or any form of construction. We'll explain what they are, why they matter and also touch on other survey plans used in different scenarios.
Additionally, we'll mention the other important professionals you need to ensure the successful construction of your dream house or building.
What is a Survey plan?
A survey plan is a drawing or a map of a property that outlines its boundaries and physical dimensions, as well as the relative position of the house, sheds, fences, and other existing structures on the property.
Surveys are essential to precisely establish the parcel’s legal boundaries. This will allow you to determine exactly where the boundary lines are, and that’s a crucial part of understanding the parcel of land’s legal dimensions.
Crafting the Blueprint: Plot and Proposed Plot Plans
Plot Plan:
Plot Plan, this is a detailed and certified representation of your property, including its boundaries, dimensions, and existing structures relative location. It serves as a legal document for obtaining permits and adhering to zoning regulations in Greater Boston. It is also critical for use during the design phase, as it allows the architects to know the construction envelope and topography of the lot of interest.
Depending on your property's location, we recommend you look at the municipal regulations on the official website, here are some of them:
Proposed Plot Plan:
The Proposed Plot Plan presents the envisioned changes to the property, indicating where proposed structures will be erected. It is crucial for obtaining approvals and ensuring compliance with local building codes.
For a more detailed plan, you will need an Existing Condition Plan
Existing Conditions Plan
These surveys provide accurate information on the site including the location of features (buildings, vegetation, fences, and others), the slope of the land (spot levels and contours), and any utility that are present such as water, sewer, drain and electric. This ensures that new structures integrate seamlessly with the surroundings.
It is very common that a detailed Existing Condition Plan would have to be completed before a civil engineer could work on the proposed civil plan. It is also common to be a minimum requirement by municipals for all civil plans being reviewed by their engineering department.
Other Important Survey Plans
Explore additional survey plans that contribute to a comprehensive design and construction process.
Boundary Line Surveys and Lot Stake Outs: Boundary line surveys establish the legal boundaries of your property, creating a detailed survey plan. Lot stake outs bring these abstract boundaries to life, placing physical markers to delineate your property's extent.
Subdivision Plans: Facilitate the division of a large parcel into smaller, distinct lots, adhering to local zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations.
Consolidation Plans: Combine adjacent lots into a single, larger parcel, simplifying property management and enhancing development potential.
Condominium Site & Floor Plans: Create precise and detailed plans for condominium complexes, including site layouts, unit configurations, and floor plans.
Construction Layout: Provide precise construction layout services, ensuring accurate placement of buildings, utilities, and other site features.
Elevation Certificates: Obtain official elevation certificates for flood zone properties, determining insurance requirements and mitigating flood risks.
As-Built Plans: Document the final construction details of a project, creating an accurate record of the completed structure. Often requested by the municipality.
Easement Plans: Map and document easements, ensuring a clear understanding of property access rights and restrictions.
Mortgage Plot Plans: Verify the location and dimensions of structures on a property for mortgage lenders.
ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys: Conduct thorough and comprehensive land title surveys meeting the rigorous standards of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS).
In addition to having a survey plan, it's important to have an architect who understands your desire and will be there with you throughout the design and construction process. In the next section, we'll talk about the important things to consider when hiring an architect.
How to Find the Perfect Architect for Your Dream Project
Selecting the right architect is crucial for a successful building project. To make this choice wisely, define your vision, research thoroughly, and check credentials and experience.
Communication and budget considerations play key roles in establishing a collaborative relationship. Once you've chosen an architect, the building design process involves an initial consultation, conceptual design, design development, creation of construction documents, and construction administration.
Remember, effective communication and a shared vision are fundamental throughout the entire process. By following these steps, you'll not only find a great architect but also ensure a seamless and successful building design experience.
Other essential professionals involve in the design and the construction process
Once you find a good architect, they could suggest other essential and required professionals who are involved in the design and construction process to make your dream house or any building a reality. These experts are:
Civil Engineers: They help you plan the site development, like grading, drainage, and utilities. Their goal is to use the land efficiently and follow local rules.
Structural Engineers: These professionals assist in detailing the load-bearing parts of your building. They make sure that everything, from the roof to the soil through the foundations, can handle and distribute the weight properly. This ensures your project is safe, secure, and meets aesthetic, functional, and budget requirements.
Contractor: This is the company in charge of the actual construction work. They manage the workers responsible for implementing all the designs and plans on the site. Feel free to reach out to us for a contractor reference. We work with some of the best firms in the business.
In conclusion
If you're interested in building a house or any form of construction in Greater Boston, it's important to know the previous survey plans needed to obtain the municipality's permit. We showed you the top three survey plans (a Plot Plan, a Proposed Plot Plan, and The Existing Conditions Plan), outlining their significance and delving into their purpose.
Furthermore, we explored additional plans crucial for a comprehensive design, from boundary surveys to elevation certificates.
A highly important recommendation is to secure an Architect attuned to your vision. Additionally, a good architect could recommend key professionals like Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, and Contractors who are also essential for the design and construction process.
If you have any questions or need assistance during the design or construction of your building or house, feel free to contact us via email at edmond@spruhaneng.com or give us a call at +1 (617) 816-0722. We're here to help!
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