Construction Plan Review – A Surveyor’s Insight
In land development, timing is everything – but so is precision. One critical step often overlooked is the construction plan review by a surveyor prior to record action. When this review is skipped or minimized, the consequences ripple through the entire project lifecycle.
Typically, land development has relied on the construction survey to be the post-design checker rather than a proactive collaborator.
Skip the Risk, Not the Review
Construction plans are often finalized and submitted for recordation without a thorough surveyor review. This can lead to:
- Conflicts between design intent and physical realities
- Misaligned easements, setbacks, or right-of-way boundaries
- Costly revisions after recordation
- Delays in permitting, staking, or construction mobilization
These aren’t rare occurrences. In fact, 85% of construction projects experience cost overruns, and design errors are a leading cause. Rework due to design mistakes can account for up to 5% of total project costs.
Surveyors bring spatial and regulatory insights that complement engineering and planning perspectives. The review ensures constructability and clarity for fieldwork, reducing ambiguity and rework during construction layout.
A Collaborative Approach
To maximize value, a surveyor review should be integrated into the design workflow rather than treated as a final checkpoint. This means:
- Early engagement: Surveyors should review preliminary plans and provide feedback before final submittals
- Cross-disciplinary coordination: Regular dialogue between surveyors, engineers, and planners
- Standardized review protocols: Clear expectations for what surveyors will check and when
Poor communication accounts for one-third of project failures, often stemming from siloed workflows and late-stage involvement. Bringing surveyors in early helps bridge that gap.
The Strategic Advantage
Firms that prioritize surveyor review before record action gain:
- Fewer change orders and RFIs
- Faster approvals and smoother permitting
- Improved reputation with agencies and clients
- Greater confidence in field execution
In short, it’s not just about catching errors; it’s about building smarter from the start.
Final Thought
Surveyors aren’t just verifying – they’re safeguarding the integrity of the entire development process. By embedding their expertise into construction plan review, we move from reactive to proactive, from overlooked to indispensable.
