Why a Land Survey Is Essential Before Any Property Purchase

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Every year, homeowners perform 114 million property improvement projects. A professional Utah Land Survey provides a snapshot of your property to help you decide what improvements are right for you.

Land Survey

Modern surveyors use a variety of digital tools to measure distances and angles quickly. They also use triangulation to determine boundary lines.

A land survey is an important step in the process of owning property. It defines the true property lines of a parcel and indicates any easements, encroachments or restrictions on the land. It also determines the boundaries of a new subdivision and ensures compliance with local zoning laws.

Before the land surveyor can begin to work, they need to understand the client’s needs and goals. They will review any existing legal documentation such as deeds or land surveys. They will also examine aerial imagery and topographic maps to gather information about the area.

Then, the surveyor will need to conduct a physical evaluation of the site. They will take measurements and mark the property corners with flags. If they encounter a problem during this phase, they will consult with their clients and come up with a solution.

Depending on the complexity of the project, this may involve several trips out into the field to search for existing monuments or other evidence of boundary lines. This research phase is often the most time-consuming part of a land survey. It requires meticulous cross-referencing and adherence to strict surveying standards.

Once the field work is complete, the surveyor will create a detailed survey map. They will then apply the information they have collected to identify and resolve any discrepancies in their findings. Finally, they will prepare a report detailing the results of their survey.

This final report will be sent to the client, who will then use it to determine their property lines. They can then build fences, structures, or other permanent features within their legally defined territory. The land surveyor will also take note of any encroachments, ensuring that they don’t stray into the territory of neighbors.

Boundary surveys are an essential part of acquiring property and construction projects. Without this vital document, land owners could find themselves facing hefty legal costs. Similarly, property developers and builders need to conduct boundary surveys before starting any construction. These surveys will help them avoid costly re-work and ensure that their developments are in line with zoning laws.

Maps

Before a land surveyor can produce an accurate map, he or she must know the boundaries and features of the site. The surveyor must be aware of all available evidence, including any unrecorded documents, previous surveys made by your firm, old files from previous land surveyors or engineers, and even testimonies from neighbors or “old timers.”

One of the most important maps that a land surveyor can create is a topographic survey. This is an essential tool for construction projects and allows your architect or contractor to design your building to account for elevation changes in the terrain.

It also helps identify the best location for sewer pipes and utilities. This type of survey is often required by regulatory agencies, and it serves as a record of the final horizontal and vertical field locations for constructed improvements.

In addition to being essential for construction and development, land surveys can help settle property line disputes, resolve legal battles, and provide evidence in court cases involving boundary-related issues. Boundary disputes are common in the United States and can be costly for both parties if they are not resolved quickly. A comprehensive boundary survey can help avoid encroachments and other boundary-related problems before they escalate.

The most advanced technology in land surveying includes drones that are used for mapping, data capture and more. With the power of GPS and video, drones allow surveyors to collect data faster and more accurately than ever before. Drones can also improve safety, especially in difficult-to-reach areas or high-elevation sites.

Historically, the earliest maps were drawn using rudimentary land surveying tools. The ancient Egyptians and Romans both used variations of a Groma, an instrument that allowed them to mark out right angles and straight lines. However, it wasn’t until the 15th century that advancements in instrumentation led to precise measurements and enabled the creation of more detailed maps.

Permits

Many property owners are prompted to hire land surveyors for a variety of reasons. They may need to satisfy a requirement for purchasing, improving or disputing property lines or simply want to know where their boundaries lie. A survey can also be useful in obtaining building permits. There are several types of surveys that can be performed, and each has its own unique purpose.

The most common is a boundary survey, which will provide physical markers to define the boundaries of a parcel of land. The surveyor will also record the legal descriptions of a property and any existing structures or improvements. This type of survey is useful in most circumstances that require a land survey.

A location survey is similar to a boundary survey, but it will also include details of any existing features. This includes curbs, utilities, and any current structures on the site. This type of survey is often used to meet loan application requirements or to obtain zoning permits.

Another type of survey is a topographic one, which will detail the elevation and plane of the site. This information is vital for engineers, architects and other professionals who are working on a project that will affect the ground. It will help them determine if a site is suitable for the project and identify any obstacles that might prevent it from being completed.

If you are looking to find a surveyor in your area, try searching online. Most counties and assessors keep their records online, so you can search by a specific address or the description of the property. Once you have this information, it should be easy to narrow down the office that holds the records.

To become a licensed land surveyor, you will need to fulfill educational requirements and pass the national and state-specific examinations. Some states also have additional licensing requirements, such as having a minimum number of years of experience. Many surveyors have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or geomatics, and they may need to complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and developments.

Development

In urban development, land surveys are vital in creating a foundation for new construction to align with existing infrastructure and adhere to local zoning regulations. By clearly monumenting site boundaries, they help avoid ambiguity or possible encroachments that could stall the project timeline. Surveying techniques have evolved with technological integration, allowing for faster, more precise property mapping with advanced data analytics tools. This has greatly expanded the scope of services that can be provided, such as surveying agricultural fields and monitoring construction sites, evaluating topography in remote areas, and conducting floodplain analysis to protect against future flooding.

The results of a land survey can be compiled into a detailed map, report or plan that will provide critical information for engineers, architects and property owners during the planning process. This information enables them to design and build in line with the terrain, ensuring that the resulting structures are safe, structurally sound, and sustainable for the long term. Surveyors can also note any specific features or limitations that the land may have and offer suggestions to mitigate potential hazards during construction, reducing costs and improving the overall quality of the final product.

One of the most common uses for land surveying is assessing plot size. This is helpful for prospective homeowners who wish to know the exact dimensions of their property before deciding to buy or build. Having this information can help them avoid misunderstandings with neighbors or potentially costly misunderstandings later on down the line.

Surveying can also identify potential environmental shifts that affect land suitability, such as flood-prone areas or soil instability. This can help developers avoid building in hazardous locations and limit the impact on their investments. Surveyors also help to prevent environmental disasters by identifying underground utility lines and marking their location, saving lives, property and time during the emergency response and recovery processes.

During the actual development of a site, surveyors use a technique called “staking” to mark the location of buildings, roads, fences, electrical and plumbing utilities, etc. without affecting the existing structure. This is a very important part of the land surveying process and would not be possible without the skill and expertise of the land surveyors.

The Importance of Retirement Planning

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Retirement Planning is critical to meeting your post-retirement goals. It involves setting savings targets and estimating expenses.

Your savings plan should be tailored to your circumstances, financial goals, time horizon, and comfort level with risk. It is a good idea to change your savings plan over the years.

One of the most important retirement planning questions is how much income you need to retire. You can get a ballpark figure by plugging your numbers into a retirement calculator, but you will likely feel more confident if you ask yourself key questions about your retirement vision and set specific goals.

You must account for your daily living expenses and any planned activities, such as vacations or home improvements. It would be best if you also considered inflation. Although prices may have been low lately, the average price increase over the past century has been about 2% per year.

Depending on when you want to retire, you may need to save a greater or lesser percentage of your income to reach your goal. For example, Fidelity Investments recommends saving about 15% of your gross income, including any company match in your 401(k) plan. The calculator below uses that benchmark and your desired retirement age to give you an estimate of how much you will need to save by the time you retire.

It is impossible to know exactly how long you will live, but it is wise to assume that you will live longer than the average person. This is why it is also important to have a backup source of income in the event that you outlive your savings. This can include annuities or reverse mortgages, but a well-diversified portfolio is generally your best bet.

How do you want to live in retirement?

The answer to this question can influence how much you need to save. It may also determine how you spend your money during retirement. For example, you might want to travel or take up a new hobby. Alternatively, you might choose to spend more time with family. The choice is yours, but figuring out what you want to do in retirement can help you create a budget and make smart financial decisions.

For many, retiring can be an exciting change. However, for others, the transition can be challenging. It can be difficult to adjust to a life of leisure, especially when your sense of purpose is no longer tied to work. The best way to avoid this is by preparing for retirement well in advance.

This involves setting financial goals, identifying potential risks, and creating contingency plans to deal with them. It also involves determining how to invest your savings and choosing the right retirement accounts.

It is important to pay off debt before you retire, especially student loans. This can save you money in the long run and prevent your Social Security benefits from being garnished. You should also consider the tax consequences of your spending choices. It may be beneficial to consult with a financial professional to discuss these issues. A financial planner can help you plan for the future and set realistic retirement goals. He or she can also guide you on the best ways to spend your money in retirement.

How do you plan to spend your money?

During retirement, it’s important to be realistic about your expected expenses. It can be easy to overestimate your costs, especially in the first few years of retirement. It’s also crucial to plan ahead for unforeseen expenses, such as home repairs or unexpected medical bills. It’s a good idea to maintain readily accessible emergency funds in savings accounts, taxable brokerage accounts and other sources.

Once you’ve settled on a budget, it’s important to stick to it and adjust as needed. As a general rule, you should aim to spend no more than 4% of your initial retirement portfolio per year, adjusted for inflation. This allows you to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve while ensuring your investments last for as long as possible.

The key is to be flexible, particularly during volatile market periods. If the markets decline, be prepared to throttle back spending or even consider working part-time if necessary.

It’s also a good idea to plan for potential health care costs in retirement. Medicare wasn’t designed to cover all of your health care expenses, so you may want to consider buying a private health insurance policy or looking into the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Finally, if you can reduce your fixed expenses by paying off a mortgage, selling a second home or throttling back support for adult children, that can help your investment dollars stretch.

How do you want to invest your money?

While you may already have retirement-oriented accounts like IRAs and 401(k) plans, it’s important to consider what additional investments you can make. You should also be careful not to take on too much debt as you approach retirement.

It’s a good idea to use any windfalls, such as tax refunds or salary bonuses, to boost your savings. But it’s crucial to understand that not all money is created equal, so it’s a good idea to set aside some for short-term spending and invest the rest in your retirement plan.

Asset allocation plays an important role in retirement planning, and it’s typically recommended that you diversify your investment portfolio among stocks, bonds and cash. This helps to reduce your risk and ensure that you have a source of income during any market downturns.

For people in their 50s and early 60s, a moderate investment portfolio (50% stock, 35% bonds and 25% cash/cash investments) is often appropriate, though this can vary depending on your unique financial situation. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the timing of your Social Security benefits, as they can have a significant impact on your overall retirement savings. This is an area where it’s important to work closely with your financial professional. They can help you determine a timeline for when it’s appropriate to begin taking your benefits. They can also help you create a contingency plan for any unexpected expenses that might arise.

How do you want to protect your assets?

When you’re planning for retirement, it’s important to consider how your savings and investments will be protected. This includes protecting your assets from unforeseen threats that can rapidly deplete your savings accounts.

One of the most common risks to a retiree’s financial security is inflation. Inflation can quickly devalue your savings and increase the amount you need to spend during retirement to maintain your lifestyle.

To help protect your savings, retirement planning involves identifying and implementing strategies to reduce costs. This can include reducing expenses, investing in tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs and 401(k) plans, and lowering the cost of insurance policies that may be needed for long-term care or other needs.

Another way to protect your assets is to avoid debt as much as possible. Paying down student loans and other outstanding debts before retiring can help keep your spending in check and protect your savings.

It’s also important to regularly review and update your retirement plan as you get closer to retirement. This is because markets, unexpected family or personal circumstances and evolving financial goals can all necessitate changes in your asset protection strategy. This includes reviewing your emergency savings, investment allocation, insurance coverage and contribution rates to both tax-advantaged and taxable accounts. It’s a good idea to consult with an experienced professional when making these decisions. He or she can ensure that you’re taking steps to meet your retirement goals and protect your hard-earned assets.

How do you want to pass your assets on to your heirs?

It’s important to think about what you want to leave your heirs. This can influence how much you save, what retirement plans you choose and the distributions you take from those accounts. It also impacts whether or not you want to gift assets during your lifetime and if you are considering setting up an estate plan. An estate plan includes a will, lists of assets and obligations, powers of attorney and healthcare proxies, as well as other legal documents that may affect your family’s future.

The beneficiaries you select on your retirement account, life insurance policies and other investments will impact what happens to these assets after your death. They can avoid probate by passing directly to a designated beneficiary, but these beneficiaries will need to understand required minimum distribution rules (RMDs) and possible federal and state income taxes.

Be sure to review your beneficiaries at least once a year and after any major life event such as marriage, divorce, birth or death. In addition, consider putting assets into a trust so that they can be used for your heirs without being subject to the same taxes as your estate. An experienced advisor can help you set up a trust and create a plan for it to be administered after your death. They can also discuss other strategies for preserving your wealth and legacy for your heirs. This could include adding heirs as joint owners of property, giving them limited power of attorney and using special needs trusts for individuals who might need government benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income in the future.

Frameless Glass Enclosures

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Shower doors are a luxurious upgrade that improves your bathroom’s appearance and adds value to your home. Frameless glass shower doors give a bathroom a sleek, updated look that boosts resale value.

Shower Doors

They are custom fabricated for your specific shower enclosure to avoid gaps and caulk lines that detract from the upscale look. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Frameless Glass Shower Doors. 

The open space of frameless shower doors is much easier to clean than traditional framed showers, which have metal framing and caulking that are often a haven for mold, mildew, and soap scum. Keeping your glass shower door free of these grimes is important to keep the space bright and inviting.

Regular cleanings with the right supplies and techniques are all you need to keep your glass shower squeaky clean. Use a gentle cleaner that won’t damage the surface, such as a non-abrasive vinegar and water solution or a glass cleaner specifically designed for showers. Buff the surface with a microfiber cloth afterward for a streak-free shine.

Don’t forget to clean the metal tracks and hinges on your frameless shower doors as well. These areas are prime spots for mold, trapped soap scum, and mineral build-up. Scrub them with a non-abrasive brush or sponge and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.

Another way to help your glass shower doors stay sparkling clean is by having them treated with a protective sealant. A company such as Sprayway offers treatments that help repel water and oil to make it easy to clean your shower without leaving a sticky residue. This will also protect your new glass from etching, stains, and build-up.

Easy to Install

Many homeowners choose to install frameless shower doors in their bathrooms because they provide a sleek look that can create a modern, spa-like aesthetic. They can also add a touch of luxury to the space and boost the resale value of the home. However, installing these types of doors can be tricky for even the most experienced DIYer. It’s best to consult with a professional and hire them to do the job if you don’t have the necessary experience or tools.

A professional can ensure that the glass is installed properly and securely to the shower wall, preventing leaks. They can also help you choose the right glass for your bathroom, including options like frosted or acid wash glass. These types of treatments make the glass less see-through, creating more privacy for your shower and reducing cleaning time as well.

Once the installation is complete, you can use a non-abrasive glass cleaner such as Windex or Sprayway to keep the shower glass clean and sparkling. This will remove soap scum, mineral buildup and other debris that can create streaks and dullness. Regular cleaning will help prevent water spots and other grime from building up over time, ensuring that your shower looks brand new at all times.

While framed showers are still the most common type of shower, you can find plenty of other options that can give your bathroom a modern, minimalist feel. Sliding doors, also known as bypass doors, slide open on tracks located at the top and bottom of the shower, while pivot doors swing open to allow entry. These options are great for small showers and can add a spacious feel to the room.

Easy to Maintain

Unlike framed shower doors, frameless glass doors do not collect water, which can cause corrosion and mildew. Instead, they are easy to keep clean with a squeegee after each use. You may also need to occasionally wipe down the glass with white vinegar or a similar cleaning solution. For tougher stains, mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste that can scrub away hard-water deposits. Then rinse the area thoroughly.

Frameless doors are made of tempered glass, which is harder than regular glass and helps prevent jagged shards. However, you should still be careful when using your shower to avoid breaking the door or getting cut.

Some frameless customers choose obscure privacy glass rather than clear glass because they believe it will hide soap scum and film better, resulting in less cleaning time. Others simply prefer the look of frosted or decorative glass. If you have a preference, your glass retailer will have many options for you to choose from.

Another thing to consider is that frameless shower doors do not have the rubber seals that framed doors incorporate to help minimize the possibility of water leaks. This means that it is possible for a problem during the installation process to result in puddles on your bathroom floor if you don’t have a contractor with high quality standards and experience.

However, it is possible to prevent most issues that could occur with frameless shower doors by working with a professional who offers custom installations. This will ensure that your doors are properly sized and installed to reduce the likelihood of leaks or damage. Also, you should always check your doors and surrounding hardware regularly to make sure everything is secure and that no cracks or chips have formed.

Sleek Appearance

While framed doors create an undefined line around the shower, frameless shower doors allow for a more visually open space. They are typically made of glass that is tinted or etched to match your bathroom’s design. This creates a cohesive look that is both stylish and sophisticated. They also go well with minimalist interior decorating trends that have become popular in recent years.

Frameless doors are also easier to clean than framed ones. The minimal design eliminates the crevices that trap soap scum and mildew, making it easy to wipe down the entire surface. This type of shower door is also more visually appealing because it allows you to see the beauty of your bathroom tile and other decor.

Lastly, frameless shower doors let in more natural light, which makes your bathroom feel larger and more airy. It’s important to have enough light in your bathroom, especially for tasks like shaving and applying makeup. Additionally, natural light can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and other imperfections on your skin.

If you are considering renovating your bathroom, frameless shower doors should be on your list of options. They can improve the overall aesthetic of your bathroom and add to its resale value. However, before you commit to a remodel project, be sure to consider all of the pros and cons associated with framed and frameless showers. This will allow you to make an informed decision that best suits your home and family’s needs. Then, you can enjoy your new bathroom with peace of mind. For more information about how to choose the right shower doors for your home, contact a local glass professional.

Increased Resale Value

Despite their initial high cost, frameless glass shower doors tend to bring in a strong return on investment for homeowners looking to upgrade their bathrooms. Their sleek, contemporary look adds a sense of luxury and sophistication to any home, and the lack of frames allows for natural light to flood the space, resulting in an open, airy feel.

As a result, homebuyers will likely be more attracted to homes with these bathroom upgrades, potentially driving up the price of a property and making it easier to sell quickly. With this in mind, investing in a glass shower can be a worthwhile project for homeowners who are thinking of selling their Maryland home within the next few years.

However, determining the exact return on investment for this upgrade can be difficult due to several factors. For instance, homeowners must carefully consider the cost and installation process associated with frameless shower doors as well as their potential impact on a home’s overall value.

In addition, homeowners must ensure that their shower enclosure is compatible with frameless glass and that the necessary adjustments are made. In some cases, a new enclosure may be required to accommodate the added weight and size of frameless doors.

Fortunately, a qualified glass company can provide accurate measurements and ensure a seamless fit to help homeowners avoid additional expenses and complications down the road. Moreover, if homeowners opt for see-through glass, they can save even more time and money down the line as it will be easy to spot dirt and mildew in hard-to-reach corners and seams. This allows for more efficient cleaning and maintenance that can keep the bathroom clean longer and prevent costly repairs in the future.