Construction Surveying Services
Topographic Surveys
A topographic survey shows the elevations, contours, and physical features of a property. Architects, engineers, and builders use topographic surveys to design homes, buildings, drainage improvements, driveways, retaining walls, and other site improvements.
The terrain of the Texas Hill Country can make accurate topographic information especially important. Searchers has extensive experience collecting and reporting topographic data for residential properties and custom home projects.
Form Surveys
A form survey verifies the location of building forms before concrete is placed. The survey typically compares the proposed structure to property boundaries, building setback lines, and easements.
Discovering a location problem before the foundation is poured can prevent significant construction delays and expenses. Searchers works with custom homebuilders and property owners to provide timely form surveys during the construction process.
Construction Staking
Construction staking provides contractors with the survey information necessary to locate proposed improvements on the ground. This may include staking homes, accessory structures, driveways, or other improvements shown on construction plans.
Searchers understands the importance of clear communication during construction. We prepare a staking exhibit that corresponds with the numbers on the stakes placed in the field so builders and contractors can clearly understand the layout.
Elevation Certificates
A FEMA Elevation Certificate documents elevation information for a building located in or near a mapped flood hazard area. Elevation Certificates are commonly used for flood insurance risk assessment and may also be required when constructing or improving structures near a floodplain.
Our surveyors collect the necessary field elevation data and complete the applicable Elevation Certificate documentation. Searchers has extensive experience preparing Elevation Certificates for residential and commercial properties throughout the Texas Hill Country.
Flood Exhibits
A flood exhibit helps property owners and design professionals understand the location of a mapped floodplain in relation to property boundaries and existing or proposed improvements.
The regulatory floodplain is typically depicted using information from a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, commonly referred to as a FIRM. When appropriate, Searchers can also depict available Base Level Engineering flood information for informational and planning purposes.
Flood exhibits can help property owners better understand development constraints and evaluate the buildable portions of a property.
eLOMA
In some cases, FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps may depict a structure or property within a mapped floodplain even though the natural ground elevation is above the applicable base flood elevation. When this occurs, we are able to remove the structure or a portion of the parcel by electronic submission of an eLOMA, which is a process through which a property owner may request that FEMA officially determine that a qualifying structure or property is outside the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Searchers has experience collecting the required elevation data and preparing survey exhibits that prove the property or structure was inadvertently mapped in the 100 year floodplain. Once proven, we are able to submit the application to FEMA for removal. For qualifying properties, a successful eLOMA may help clarify flood risk and potentially reduce flood insurance requirements.