An ALTA / ACSM Survey is a land title survey which conforms to the higher standards jointly proposed by the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. This survey is more commonly referred to as ALTA. It incorporates elements of the boundary survey, mortgage survey, and topographic survey. ALTA surveying is needed most often when buying a piece of property.
We are experts in providing clients with a wide range of surveying services. This knowledge allows us to properly handle all ALTA surveying aspects. Here are a few reasons when you may need this survey done:
When you are buying or selling commercial real estate
When you are buying a piece of vacant land
Whenever you want some more detailed information about a piece of land you own or wish to buy
Real estate transactions, such as the buying and selling of commercial real estate often requires ALTA surveying to complete. It provides extra details to ensure any new deal is complete. And depending on the scope of the survey, this surveying is similar to a mortgage survey. Both are crucial when assessing the value of a property. So many in the NYC area, such as Brooklyn and Queens, utilize ALTA surveying.
ALTA Surveying shows all the mainland aspects of a potential property location. Property boundaries and all home and surrounding area improvements are documented in the survey. These include structures such as fences, utility lines and roads. ALTA Surveying is usually necessary when you are purchasing or selling commercial property or when you are purchasing an empty land plot and is one of the most detailed surveys available. This often means it can be more expensive. However, there are benefits to with ALTA surveying when compared to others that makes it worth the extra money.
The data collected with ALTA surveying will let you know about any "survey risks" including boundary conflict between properties and non-public matters. If any conflicts arise, the survey will indicate where the property needs improvement or legal clearance prior to acquisition. If you are selling your property, having your own survey performed may help protect your transaction if the buyer's survey is potentially inaccurate or misinterpreted. This sort of survey work is also great for times when you are planning on purchasing a piece of land. The details provided will allow you to make the most informed decision possible.
While many lenders will elect to have an owner commission an ALTA survey before funding an acquisition or construction loan, the completed survey is just as important at the end of the project in order to ensure compliance with all applicable zoning laws. Also, having the survey done or revised once a project is complete can ascertain whether there have been any deviations from the engineering or architectural plans.
It goes without saying though that an ALTA land survey is not always necessary and is not legally required. It is important to consider the possible risks versus the cost of due diligence. In general, the question of how expensive and how detailed a survey you need is best answered after a preliminary title report and after the initial site inspection.
If you discover that you need to have an ALTA land survey, then you will need to officially file a request as a client for the survey. And you must arrange for the client to make the request if you are not the client. Lastly, written authorization must be submitted to the accredited surveying company by the person responsible for the payment.
It is crucial to remember that, unless the insurer specifically authorizes the survey costs, the insurance company is not responsible for them. It needs to be specified in the request that the client needs an ALTA survey.
Arek Surveying Company performs ALTA / ACSM Surveys in short time period and with a great attention to details. We have years of experience providing quality surveys for those across both Suffolk and Nassau County, as well as to many throughout New York. This includes the NYC area, such as Brooklyn and Queens. For more information about our surveying services, please reach out to us today for more information. We will happily assist you with any questions you may have about the various surveys we provide across the area.
ALTA / ACSM Survey services are available in all New York and New Jersey Counties: Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester, Yonkers, Richmond, Suffolk, Nassau, Rockland, Bergen, Essex, etc., including the NYC area as well.
