Home ownership can be directly tied to the realization of the “American Dream” for single individuals, families, and of course immigrants from a far. The transformational steps one takes to attain the ability to purchase is unique to everyone. What is not unique is the true value a quality survey provides at the time of purchase and what it affords over time. Not realizing what specifically affects one’s property and its relationship with its adjacent neighbors can transform dreams into nightmares.
In Hawaii, the real estate purchase contract allows for the buyer to have the freedom to choose between two types of surveys:
- K-1 ensures the seller employs a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor to stake the property and ensure that all boundary points are visible.
- K-2 ensures the seller employs a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor to stake the property and ensure that all boundary points are visible. Additionally, the surveyor shall produce a report of the improvements along the boundary line with an accompanying map showing how the parcel is defined in shape and area.
It is important to recognize a few points, the first being that election for K-1 staking only does not afford the detailed review nor confirmation that a property’s description and area are both true and accurate. The potential of existing encroachments will also not be identified and like a cavity in one’s mouth left open for the potential to cause severe headaches down the road. This option affords immediate cost savings while risking much and is not the recommended choice.
Secondly, while K-2 surveys are superior and the recommended choice to those purchasing property, it still may not cover all issues associated with that property. A perimeter sketch map and report cover walls, fencing, and other improvements or structures along the perimeter but not within a property. Zoning restrictions, CPR by laws compliance, along with other set back compliance issues may be better addressed by an ALTA/NSPS survey for all involved with a more complex property transaction.
There is much more value, importance and leverage given for a detailed survey than to simply knowing where a property’s monumentation is located. The peace of mind having an accurate and complete Mana Surveying K-2 or ALTA survey can literally save you money, valuable time, and sleep while enjoying your piece of the “American Dream”.