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Anyone who has ever purchased land or property understands the importance of getting exactly what they pay for.

Unfortunately, there are instances where people are defrauded of their hard-earned money due to fake land transactions.

To safeguard yourself from such occurrences, employing a professional land surveyor is crucial.

Who is a surveyor and what do they do?

Justin Otwao who is a member of the Institution of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU) says surveyors are qualified professionals who play a vital role in the built environment.

As defined by the Surveyors Registration Act (SRA) of Uganda, there are various specialisations within the surveying profession including:

- Land surveyors: determine the boundaries and physical features of a property.

-Quantity surveyors: manage building and engineering construction costs.

-Valuation surveyors (valuers): determine the value of assets like land, buildings, or businesses.

- Building surveyors: manage surveying-related activities in the building construction process.

- Mining and Hydrological surveyors: conduct surveys for mining and water resource management projects.

- Land agents and other professionals responsible for the management of land or buildings.

Justin Otwao who is a member of the Institution of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU) says surveyors are qualified professionals who play a vital role in the built environment.

How can a surveyor help you?

A land surveyor can provide valuable assistance based on your specific requirements.
Otwao outlines some of the key areas where a surveyor's expertise can be beneficial:

Land acquisition: Land surveyors verify the size and location of a property before you finalise a purchase. This ensures you are getting the exact piece of land you are paying for and avoids any unwanted surprises.

- Construction projects: Land surveyors play a critical role in ensuring structures are built with the correct horizontal and vertical alignment.

Why horizontal and vertical alignment is crucial for construction projects

Structural integrity: Incorrect horizontal and vertical alignment can lead to uneven weight distribution on the foundation, causing cracks, fractures, and even building collapse in severe cases.

A surveyor ensures the entire structure is built on a level plane and plumb (perfectly vertical).

Project efficiency: Misaligned foundations can cause delays and wasted materials during construction as corrections need to be made. A proper survey prevents these issues and keeps the project on schedule and budget.

Safety: Buildings with misaligned elements can be unsafe for occupants. Surveyors help to prevent potential hazards by ensuring proper alignment from the very beginning.

Real estate: Surveyors assist with processing land titles, subdivisions, and resolving boundary disputes. They can determine if someone has encroached on your property.

Project Cost Controls: Quantity surveyors manage costs associated with construction projects. They ensure contractors bill accurately for the work done, maximising your return on investment.

Asset Valuation: Valuers determine the market value of land, buildings, or other assets. This information is valuable when seeking loans or determining compensation for property impacted by government projects. Valuers can also help determine the amount of stamp duty payable when transferring property.