Surveys for Home Additions, Garages, and ADUs
Surveys, setbacks, and proposed plans for permitting
Surveys for permitting your home addition or detached structure
Planning an addition shouldn’t be stressful. Our team delivers exact property line measurements and easy-to-understand documentation so you can submit for your building permits. With accurate, professional survey data, you can design your addition, garage, or ADU with clarity and peace of mind.
Local Expertise
We’re locally owned. We live in the Richmond and Norfolk areas, and we work all over Virginia!
Fast Delivery
Our surveyors don’t get pulled away on large civil projects or for overnight travel. We get the work done fast so that you get results quickly.
Quality Work
We excel at residential, boundary, and ALTA surveys. Because we focus on one area of surveying, you get high-quality work you can trust.
Why You Need Verified Boundaries Before Building an Addition
A home addition changes the footprint of your property, making accurate boundary information crucial. Our surveys determine your legal building area and help you or your architect decide where to put your new structure. We help ensure your addition fits your lot and clears permitting more easily.
Home Addition Survey FAQs
What is a Home Addition Survey?
A Home Addition Survey is a property survey that maps your lot, identifies existing structures, and verifies building setbacks so you know exactly where an addition can legally be placed. It provides the measurements needed for design, permitting, and construction.
Do I need a survey before starting a home addition?
Yes. Most building departments require updated boundary and setback information before issuing permits. A survey ensures your addition is placed correctly and avoids zoning violations that could delay or halt your project.
What information does a Home Addition Survey include?
It typically shows property lines, corners, existing structures, city or county provided setbacks, utilities, driveways, and other features that may affect where and how you can build. Some surveys may also include topography if requested.
How does a survey help with the permitting process?
A survey provides the permitting office with verified measurements that determine if your addition meets all zoning, setback, and lot coverage requirements. Without this documentation, your plans cannot typically proceed for approvals.
How long does a Home Addition Survey take?
Most residential surveys are completed within a few days to two weeks, depending on lot size, terrain, and the availability of past records. More complex properties may take longer due to research and verification.
Will the surveyor stake my footer for construction?
Sure! We are happy to come back to stake your footer or set your brick points when you are ready to build. This will ensure your addition or structure is built in the correct location and the specs provided by your builder or architect.
Can a survey identify issues that may affect my addition?
Absolutely. A survey can reveal encroachments, inaccurate assumptions about property lines, or setback restrictions that could impact your design. Catching these early helps you adjust plans before construction begins.
Is a previous survey on my property good enough to use?
It depends. Older surveys may not reflect updated zoning rules, new structures, or changes to the property. Most cities require a current or recent survey for permits, so an updated version is often necessary.
Client Testimonials
"From booking the appointment to having the survey completed, this was quick and easy! So happy to have them come out before we got our fence installed. Highly recommend!"
"James River Surveying made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Bryan, Wes, and the whole team communicated clearly at every step and were always quick to respond."
"This company was AMAZING!!! The customer service was superb (from start to finish) and they delivered me a survey of my property on very short notice. I highly recommend James River Surveying!"
Clear Answers for Every Property Question
Reliable Home Addition Surveys for Planning, Design, and Peace of Mind
Before expanding your home, you need accurate data you can rely on. Our Home Addition Surveys provide verified boundaries, city or county-provided setbacks, and site information to support smart planning and smooth permitting. With precise measurements and clear documentation, you always know exactly where you can build.
Ready to Get Your Survey?
Get accurate, reliable surveying services from a trusted local team serving Virginia.
