Frequently Asked Questions
- Could there be an encroachment on my property?
If you feel there may be a boundary line dispute, call us today and have a boundary survey completed.
- Has all land been surveyed at least once?
Not necessarily. Depending on the local laws and previous owners, marking boundaries is not always required and land can be split up and never marked on the ground.
- A new home is being built next door; is a land survey required?
Depending on local laws, a survey isn't always required. If you have concerns, now is a great time to call us to have your property surveyed.
- Can I take a part of my neighbor's land that I'm already using?
Known as adverse possession, taking property is possible, but it is usually not an easy process. There are many conditions, and adverse possession must be decided by the courts and not a licensed surveyor.
- Do I really need a surveyor? Can't a friend just show me my property corners and lines?
A licensed land surveyor is required to legally show you where your property begins and ends.
- Why does a survey cost so much if the surveyor was only on my property for an hour?
The on-site survey is only a small part of the complete land survey. Before a crew can head to the field, research of the property, and if possible, the adjoining property is required. After the research and on-site surveying, further work may be required depending on the particular job.
- Do I need a survey if I find a stake where I think the property corner is?
Stakes are not always an exact indicator of property boundaries. They can be placed by homeowners who aren't professionals and can be moved over a number of years. Only a licensed land surveyor can verify the location of the property corners.
- Do I need a land survey to construct a fence or build on my own land?
Depending on local ordinances, a land survey may not be required. It is highly recommended to get a survey done before you install a new fence or structure to avoid being forced to remove your fence or structure later. Most townships and municipalities have required setbacks, so it's cheaper to survey before rather than removing your additions later.
- If the street next to me is no longer used, do I get half of the land?
This is possible but not always true. Vacated property distribution must be decided by the court.
- The realtor told me my property lines and corners when I purchased the property. Is a survey still required?
Legal property lines can only be determined by a licensed land surveyor; a realtor's opinion will not stand up in court.