Things Everyone Should Know About Hiring Land Surveyors
Getting a land survey can be a confusing and complex process for many people. However, it is an important step that can help protect your property rights and prevent future disputes with neighbors or other property owners. Here are some things that common people need to know about getting a land survey:
Why You Need a Land Survey
A land survey is a detailed report that provides accurate information about the boundaries, dimensions, and features of a property. This information can be crucial for a variety of reasons, including:
Establishing property lines: A land survey can help determine where your property ends and your neighbor's property begins. This can prevent future disputes and help protect your property rights.
Obtaining building permits: Many municipalities require a land survey before issuing building permits. This is to ensure that the proposed structure is located within the property boundaries and complies with zoning regulations.
Planning improvements: A land survey can help you plan improvements to your property, such as building a fence or adding a swimming pool. It can also identify any existing structures or features that may need to be considered in your plans.
This is by no means an exhaustive list - for more info check out this article.
How to Find a Surveyor
Finding a qualified surveyor is an important step in the land survey process. Here are some tips for finding a surveyor:
Check with local licensing board: Most states/municpalities/national governments require surveyors to be licensed. You can check with your local licensing board to find a list of licensed surveyors in your area.
Ask for recommendations: Ask friends, family, or neighbors if they have used a surveyor and if they would recommend them.
Get multiple quotes: It is important to get quotes from several surveyors to ensure that you are getting a fair price for the services you need.
What to Expect During the Survey
The survey process typically involves the following steps:
The surveyor will visit the property and conduct a field survey. This may involve using a variety of tools, including GPS, laser rangefinders, and electronic distance-measuring devices.
The surveyor will identify and locate property corners and other features, such as buildings, fences, and utility lines.
The surveyor will create a detailed map or report that outlines the property boundaries and features.
What to Do with the Survey Results
Once the survey is complete, you will receive a detailed report that outlines the boundaries and features of your property. You should review this report carefully and keep it in a safe place for future reference.
If the survey reveals any discrepancies or issues with the property boundaries, you may need to take further action to resolve these issues. This may involve negotiating with neighbors or hiring an attorney to help resolve any disputes.
In addition, if you plan to make any improvements to your property, such as building a fence or adding a swimming pool, you will need to ensure that these improvements are within the property boundaries and comply with zoning regulations.
In conclusion, getting a land survey is an important step for anyone who owns or plans to purchase property. By understanding why you need a land survey, how to find a surveyor, what to expect during the survey, and what to do with the survey results, you can ensure that you have accurate information about your property boundaries and features. This can help protect your property rights and prevent future disputes with neighbors or other property owners.