Buying land for your dream home is a huge step in the journey. A lot of potential homeowners believe that the next step is the design and they rush to get a plan done. From our experience with helping several homeowners on their projects, the next most important step you should take is to have a topographic or land survey done.

The Importance of a Topographic Survey

‍

Every plot is unique and relying solely on a visual assessment is inadequate for accurately capturing plot features. A survey translates what is on the ground onto paper and provides the architect with a starting point for the design of your home.

‍

‍

Key insights offered by the survey include:

• Precise legal plot boundaries
• Location of services like water and power
• Land slope direction, vital for water drainage
• Plot's alignment with access roads
• Land orientation in relation to sun movement, crucial for building orientation
• Positioning of distinct features such as trees

‍

Potential Pitfalls

‍

Not having a survey prevents your architect from having essential land information, potentially leading to poor decisions regarding sewer and rainwater drainage, foundation specifications, and building placement. This can result in inaccurate budgeting and escalating construction costs.

‍

Obtaining a Topographic Survey in Zambia

There are few qualified professionals in Zambia who are able to carry out this work so you have to be realistic and allow adequate time as Land Surveyors are in high demand.

‍

Land Surveyors are registered by the Engineering Institute of Zambia. Many architects work closely with Land Surveyors and are a good source for recommendations.

‍

The process itself is relatively brief; fieldwork can be done in a day, depending on plot size, and within 3-5 working days, you'll have a comprehensive topographic survey. The cost for a survey ranges from approximately K10,000.00 - K20,000.00 again, depending on plot size.

‍

An architect can facilitate the process to get a survey done but you can also manage it independently. To get the best results make sure that you hire a qualified and experienced surveyor.