Commission coordinated work

Have counsel, the title professional and surveyor identify the documents and survey scope the transaction needs. An ALTA/NSPS survey connects fieldwork with relevant supplied or obtained records and agreed optional information. Do not assume every survey includes topography, utility detail or every design input. Likewise, a title commitment is not the issued insurance policy or an assurance that every exception is harmless to the intended development.

Overlay the finding on the concept

Imagine a hypothetical easement crossing land shown as parking in a preliminary layout. Counsel needs to interpret the recorded right, the surveyor needs to locate the relevant feature where possible, and the designer needs to evaluate its practical effect. The existence of an exception does not automatically end the project. But ignoring its location or terms can preserve a parking count that the evidence no longer supports.

Close discrepancies deliberately

Use a shared issue list for inconsistent legal descriptions, missing instruments, apparent encroachments and matters that cannot yet be located. Ask who can resolve each discrepancy and what revised document will demonstrate resolution. Then update area assumptions, layout, costs and timing as warranted. A clean-looking drawing does not establish unrestricted ownership, while insurability does not prove buildability. Before relying on the package, ask whether the documents describe the same land and current proposal, and which limitations the next lender, designer or owner must understand.

Sources & further reading

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General information—not personalized legal, tax, investment, engineering or architectural advice.