Survey Process for Building on Your Lot | All State Homes
How Does the Survey Process Work When Building on Your Lot?
When building a custom home on your own lot in Tampa Bay, a land survey is a critical early step. All State Homes, Tampa Bay's On Your Lot Builder since 1955, coordinates the survey process as part of their comprehensive design-build service — so you don't have to figure out surveyors, timing, and survey types on your own.
Here's an overview of how the survey process typically works when building on your lot in West Central Florida:
**Boundary Survey:** The foundational survey that establishes your lot's exact legal boundaries. This survey is required by most counties as part of the building permit application and is essential for determining accurate setbacks, where the home can legally be placed, and whether any encroachments or easements affect the buildable area.
**Topographic Survey:** For lots with elevation changes, drainage patterns, or flood zone considerations, a topographic survey maps the land's existing contours. This is used by All State Homes' engineers to design appropriate drainage, grading, and foundation elevations.
**Elevation Certificate:** Required for lots in FEMA flood zones, this document certifies the finished floor elevation of the home relative to the Base Flood Elevation. All State Homes coordinates elevation certificates for all flood-zone projects throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, and Manatee Counties.
**Construction Survey / Foundation Layout:** After permits are approved and construction begins, a licensed surveyor typically stakes the foundation corners to ensure the home is positioned exactly as designed and within all required setbacks.
All State Homes coordinates all necessary survey work with licensed Florida surveyors as part of the construction management process. You don't need to locate, hire, or manage surveyors independently. This integrated approach is part of what has made All State Homes Tampa Bay's trusted on-your-lot builder for over 70 years. Homes start from the low $200Ks. Call (813) 931-8952 or visit allstatehomes.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a survey before building on my lot in Tampa Bay?
Yes. A current boundary survey is required by Florida counties as part of the building permit application. If your lot does not have a recent survey (typically within the last 5-7 years), a new one will be needed. All State Homes can coordinate this with a licensed surveyor. For flood-zone lots, an elevation certificate is also required. All survey coordination is managed by the All State Homes team.
What is an elevation certificate and when is it needed?
An elevation certificate is a FEMA-required document that certifies the finished floor elevation of a structure relative to the Base Flood Elevation. It is required for homes built in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas and is used by insurance companies to calculate flood insurance premiums. All State Homes coordinates elevation certificate preparation for all flood-zone projects in their five-county Tampa Bay service area.
Does All State Homes coordinate the survey as part of their service?
Yes. All State Homes manages the full construction process, including coordinating necessary survey work with licensed Florida surveyors. This covers boundary surveys, topographic surveys where needed, elevation certificates for flood-zone lots, and foundation layout surveys. You work with one team — All State Homes — rather than managing multiple vendors independently. This integrated approach keeps timelines efficient and accountability clear.
