Geodesy Journal

  Buying land can feel like a dream come true — space, privacy, and the freedom to build the home you’ve imagined. But what many landowners discover after the purchase is that not all land is ready to be built on. One of the most common and costly surprises is failing to secure a perc test (percolation test) before buying. A perc test determines whether a piece of land can support a septic system — and without passing results, local authorities may deny building permits . This isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s a critical factor in deciding whether utilities can be installed and construction can move forward. In this article, we’ll break down why skipping a perc test can halt your plans, what a perc test actually involves, and how to avoid this common land‑buying regret. The Story Many Property Owners Wish They Knew Sooner Imagine this scenario: You purchase a beautiful rural lot or a large property on the edge of town. You’ve already planned the house layout, picked out fi...

When buying or owning property in Sacramento, CA, it's important to know exactly what you're getting and what others may have the right to use. One of the most overlooked but critical elements in property ownership is the easement . Easements can affect your rights, your property's value, and even what you’re allowed to build. The best way to uncover easements before making a big mistake? Get a property survey . In this guide, we’ll explain what easements are, how they appear on surveys, and what landowners and buyers in Sacramento need to watch out for. Why Easements Matter in Property Ownership? Sacramento’s Growing Real Estate Market With Sacramento’s steady growth and development, more homes and commercial properties are changing hands than ever before. This makes understanding land rights—including easements—crucial. Surveys Reveal Important Details A property survey doesn’t just show boundary lines. It can uncover legal access rights, utility zones, and shared spaces ...

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions — and most people assume that everything about the property is straightforward once the sale closes. But when a residential land survey is skipped, homeowners can run into unexpected problems that affect fences, driveways, gardens, and even legal boundaries. Many people take title commitments and deeds at face value, only to discover later that property lines differ from what they imagined. This article explores real‑world issues that arise when a survey is overlooked, why a residential land survey matters, and how one protects your investment before it’s too late. The “It’s Fine, We Didn’t Need a Survey” Mindset A typical home‑buying checklist includes inspections for pests, foundations, and roof conditions — but sometimes the land itself gets overlooked. After all, if the property looks flat and square on the deed, how different could it really be? Quite different, as many homeowners report: “We put up a new fence — now it’s half on ...