Frequently Asked Questions

The frequently asked questions has been divided into subject groups as listed below:

1. Building Reports
2. Strata Reports
3. Pest Reports
4. Survey Reports
5. General FAQs

Q. What are Contour surveys?

A. Most contour and detail surveys are done by ground survey methods using electronic total stations and data recorders. In the area is large, then aerial photography and other remote sensing techniques may be used.

Commencing from some known starting points in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, the location of all points, which define the terrain and the structures, are recorded. The terrain is often measured using a grid pattern of spot heights. Sometimes, the relationship of the improvements to the property boundaries is significant and then the cadastral or property boundaries are also re-established.

Q. When would you need a Contour or a Detail Survey?

A. You might need a contour/detail survey when you:

1. Are designing roads, sewers and other infrastructure for a particular area
2. Are recording the structures on a parcel of land for asset management purposes
3. Need detailed information about the land for farming, agriculture or other uses
4. Need local government approval to do certain things on your land, particularly subdivide or construct buildings etc
5. Want to build a house or other structure on your land

Q. What are identification surveys?

A. The surveyor re-establishes the property boundaries and identifies the main structures. The surveyor locates original boundary markers, reference markers and other evidence of the original boundaries and makes a series of judgments as to the current location of the property. In most cases, the surveyor will then place new boundary markers and additional reference marks so that the corners can be more readily re-established next time.

Q. When would you need an identification survey?

A. You might ask for an identification survey when:

1. Building a fence with your neighbour - to make sure it is on the boundary
2. Building a house or other improvements to make sure they are within your property
3. Buying a property, to make sure there are no encroachments or other unregistered encumbrances
4. Preparing submissions to local government for development of the property
5. Selling a property - to demonstrate to potential buyers the property is free of encumbrances like encroachments and its dimensions are as they are shown on the title