The answer is…. it depends.
Where it’s probably not required to employ the services of a Land Surveyor…
- Is this a minor addition?
- Is this a standard home with previously approved plans?
- Do you have a SG Diagram?
If you said “YES” to all 3 above AND there are no new circumstances, you probably do not need to employ a Land Surveyor, however, you will need to make sure that there are copies of your SG diagrams available as this is a required document when submitting plans to the municipality.
What is an SG diagram, I hear you think?… Well, this is a document that illustrates the plot Name (ERF Number), boundaries and corner beacons of your plot of land (site). It contains the dimensions and angles of the boundary lines and other important information related to servitudes, roads, access and other plot related information. The illustration below is an example of what this document typically looks like.
Do you need to enquire if your property has an SG diagram? We offer this service free when booking a site visit.
Should there be no available document or records, you will be advised to appoint a land surveyor. Should a copy of your SG diagram not exist i.e. It was never registered, is newly registered or has changed in size or form etc. then you will require the service of a surveyor to survey the site, register the surveyed plot and provide you the diagrams.
You will also require the services of a surveyor in other circumstances. Here are a few examples:
- When making changing any material fact about the plot of land
- When transferring (buying/selling/leasing etc) a new or un-registered plot of land.
- When instructed by the Local Authority to provide a SG Diagram.
- When undertaking a site rezoning or consolidation, or any other task related directly to the changing / amendment of information related to the plot of land.
- If there is a dispute with regards to boundaries, servitudes
- If required by the Professional Team understand the site.
- If you have a lot of services on the property, it is always important to get a surveyor to provide you with a survey so you are always aware of areas to stay away from.
This list is not conclusive and as stated above, the circumstances and project requirements will dictate if you need one. Archifix will advise on this aspect and many more, as part of your booked session.