What to Expect During a Building Survey for Your Insurance
There are many steps you have to take when constructing a new building or home. One of those steps is using a building surveyor. These surveyors perform inpsections for various reasons. Some may be for local ordinances. However, the most common reason for performing the survey is for insurance purposes. Here are some key points of the survey and what to expect regarding the entire process.
Land Effects
One of the main focal points of the survey will deal with the land. Before the building can be placed, there needs to be a determination regarding land risk. When any complex is built, the land is disturbed in some way. For example, underground plumbing is necessary. It is also necessary to have foundations placed which may require underpinning. The insurance company wants to know what the risk factors are and how likely they are to happen. The insurance company also wants to know if the damages can cause more effects later and to what severity.
Boundary Survey
A boundary survey is part of the survey. This is to determine if the original lot measurements match up. It is also a survey done to determine if there are any topography issues or land survey issues. These issues can cost an increased amount of money to repair or to have fixed. Depending on the issues, you could also face adding an additional or prolonged amount of time to your building schedule. The measurements of the survey, lot size, and any issues found during the boundary survey will be noted and given to the insurance company.
Soil Survey
The building survey is not only about the buildings themselves and where they will be placed. The survey also deals with soil. There needs to be a certain level of soil integrity in order to withstand the building weight over time. This means soil samples may be taken. There may also be tests for the durability of the soil at various levels. This is to ensure the soil will not shift and does not need some form of stabilizing measures taken.
When you reach the point of surveys and inspections on your new construction, contact your insurance company. They will arrange for the building surveyor and schedule a time for the appointment. If your insurance company does not handle this for you, you can contact independent surveyors in your area. They will schedule a time to look at the building and will work with your insurance to ensure the survey is available to them.