Avoid These Common Mistakes When Subdividing Your Land
Subdividing a property is a tricky process, especially if you are new to the world of land development. While boundary mapping and subdivision design play a vital role, careful planning, strong relationships and understanding resource consents is equally important.
The subdivision specialists at Tararua Surveyors have created a list of five common mistakes new land developers make – and how to avoid them.
1. Not Doing Your Homework
It’s not uncommon for people to get so excited about the prospect of developing land that they don’t carry out the necessary checks prior to getting the ball rolling. A few things you’ll want to look into include:
• The development code – what are the regulations around subdivisions in your zone?
• The ground condition and soil – is it likely to flood, eroded or be contaminated?
• Water supply – will the newly built property have access to stormwater and wastewater?
• Pipes – do existing pipes need upgrading?
• Access – will a back-section property have vehicle access?
Some of these concerns mean additional fees while others could spell the end of your subdivision before it even begins, so always do your due diligence first.
2. Finance Isn’t Sorted
Proper planning is an important part of a subdivision, and this extends to finance. Make realistic and generous estimates of your subdivision’s cost before you make an appointment with your bank. Make sure you can service the loan, making room for contingencies in case the subdivision takes longer than expected.
3. Making Light of Resource Consents
Because they ensure your subdivision won’t negatively impact the environment, there’s not much you can do to your land without a resource consent. Don’t fall for the all-too-common mistake of taking this process lightly. It’s easy for inexperienced land developers to make a mistake that can delay or halt the subdivision, so your best bet is to work with a specialist. For help with resource consents in Wellington, Levin, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua or the Kapiti Coast, talk to the land surveyors at Tararua Surveyors.
4. Burning Bridges
Land development impact neighbourhoods and communities, so strong relationships are at the heart of subdivisions. Don’t burn bridges with your neighbours over small disputes – you may need them to provide written approval for part of your subdivision!
5. Not Working with Professionals
Working with qualified professionals is crucial for a seamless subdivision. From experienced land surveyors to knowledgeable lawyers to qualified engineers, land subdivisions are no place to cut corners – always work with a reputable professional.
For professional and comprehensive land development services in Wellington, Levin, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua and the Kapiti Coast, talk to the subdivision specialists at Tararua Surveyors.