🧭 The Importance of a Property Survey Before Starting Your Landscape or Hardscape Project

When planning a hardscape or landscape project, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of design ideas—paver patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and lush plantings. However, one crucial step often overlooked at the beginning of a project is obtaining a professional land survey.

At Hannah Outdoor Designs, we believe a well-executed project starts with a clear understanding of your property. Here’s why a survey is not just a formality—it’s a foundational necessity.

📌 What Is a Property Survey?

A property survey is a detailed map that outlines the boundaries, dimensions, and topography of your land. It also includes the location of structures, easements, utility lines, setbacks, and any encroachments on or from adjacent properties.

💡 Why a Survey Matters for Landscape and Hardscape Projects

1. Avoiding Legal Issues

One of the biggest risks of skipping a survey is accidentally building on a neighbor’s property or within a setback or utility easement. This can result in costly stop-work orders, fines, or even forced removal of your structure. A survey clearly defines where you can legally build.

2. Planning Accurate Drainage Solutions

Water management is critical in hardscaping. A survey shows elevation changes, slopes, and natural drainage paths. This data helps us design proper grading, swales, and drainage systems to prevent erosion or water pooling around your home.

3. Retaining Wall & Structure Placement

Retaining walls, fences, patios, and outdoor kitchens require precise placement. A survey ensures we don’t interfere with utility lines or violate property codes, and that everything is constructed within your legal property line.

4. Maximizing Usable Space

By understanding your exact lot dimensions and elevation shifts, we can create a design that makes the most of your space—no guesswork, just smart, efficient layout decisions from the start.

5. Faster Permitting

If your project requires a permit, a current survey is often mandatory. Having it ready up front speeds up the permitting process and prevents delays.

✅ When Is a Survey Needed?

• You're building near a property line

• You're installing a retaining wall, patio, or structure

• Your property has drainage issues or steep slopes

• You haven’t had a survey done in the last 5–10 years

• You’re unsure where your boundaries or easements are