	AllExperts > Construction Industry
	Search

About Roger Zona
Expertise
I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience
After college, I began my career in automotive engineering. After 4 years I chose to become an apprentice Architect; 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 40 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartment and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper

Education/Credentials
BS in Engineering

You are here: Experts > Industry > Construction Industry > Construction Industry > Buying Land

Construction Industry - Buying Land

Expert: Roger Zona - 10/23/2009

Question
Mr. Zona,

I was asking so many questions the system told me to start over. There is one more topic I need help with for now. I know the legal description of land is made from a survey of the land. When I am looking at land to purchase, I assume that land must have been surveyed to make the legal description. How do I get the survey? It is recorded somewhere? Is there a special set of codes or a language I need to learn to read it?

Thank you for your very kind help and your patience - Austin
By the way - Isn't northern Michigan cold too? I'm guessing the big difference is your area is not a mile high. I haven't purchased land yet, so I'm open to whatever location works.

Answer
Hello Austin,

It has been said that Michigan has two seasons - August and winter! My place is in Bay View, a resort community next to Petosky, Michigan. The town opens up on Memorial day and closes about Oct. 15th. It's about 600 ft above sea level.

On to business at hand - - - - description of land can be done a couple ways. One is "meets and bounds" which is a literal description - from the Oak tree head east 200 ft to the large bolder, etc. but more professional is an actual survey that was measured in distance and angle and is described as such - 200 ft west by north west 70 degrees then 84 degrees 40 seconds left going easterly 165 feet, etc....

A platted or subdivided parcel is described by block and lot which is then described by the plat map that was approved by the city or township or county engineering. For tax purposes all parcels of land are recorded and you can check out a lot at the property appraisers office.

Usually the seller must provide a survey that is less than 6 months old. An owner may have recorded an easement 2 year prior but not submitted it for recording. Also, you must be sure the lot is free of any encumbrances such as liens, mortgages, unrecorded easements, etc. If you are dealing with a Realtor, they should be able to see that you are protected. Remember, you want a broker that you hired. Don't let the listing broker represent you. That's another whole different issue!

By the way, Michigan is very depressed now what with the auto industry in recession and they have the highest unemployment in the country. You probably could be land or housing at a very low price right now.

My best advice ---- do your homework carefully.

Good luck,

Roger
Ask The Contractor

Add to this Answer Ask a Question