Boundary Surveys:
What is a boundary survey or property survey?
- There is an order to doing a boundary survey.
Depending on the state a search of the land records is done to verify your
ownership of the property, the property boundary description, and other
survey maps on file that may pertain to your lot. - In Connecticut and Rhode Island your deeds are on file in the Town Clerks
Land Records OfficeA boundary survey is a process of determining your property lines and corners.
Who does boundary surveys?
- Licensed Professional Land Surveyors
Are Civil Engineers Professional Land Surveyors?
- No, unless they are licensed by the state as a professional land surveyor too.
- The only state that allows Civil Engineers to practice land surveying without
having a land surveyors license is California. All other states restrict the
practice land surveying to those individuals that licensed specifically to
practice the discipline of land surveying.
What is a surveyor looking for in your deed?
- The legal description that defines the boundaries of your land you
purchased. - The deeds of your abutting property owners and filed maps that may affect
where your property lines are located. - The surveyor is also is looking for easements or rights of way that may
cross your property and affect your property interest.
What is an “Encroachment”?
- A classic example of an encroachment is when your neighbor has his
shed on your property. - Another example is, your neighbor installs a fence along what he thinks
the property is, only to discover that the fence was installed on your land.
What is a Land Surveyor?
- A Professional Land Surveyor is a professional who through education,
experience, and examination is issued a license to practice land surveying within
the state. The state has a licensing board that evaluates an applicant’s
education, experience, and character the board will allow the applicant to sit for
the licensing exam. - The licensing exam is very rigorist resulting in a low percentage of applicant’s
passing and ultimately receiving a license to practice. - Most states require a sixteen hour examination.
Why do I need to have a property survey done?
- To establish on the earth where you actual property lines are (the land you
bought). - A property survey or (boundary survey) is necessary when there is a dispute with
your neighbor where you or they believe the property line is.
- In some towns, a boundary survey is required when before you apply for a
building permit to construct a new house, garage, shed, or pool. - Even though New England is the oldest part of the United States, we have by far
fewer land surveys done that rest of the states. - Many property owners want a fence to enclose their yards. Having a property
survey done before the fence is installed is always a good idea. Too many
property owners have found out how painful it is to move a fence after the
neighbor retained a surveyor because the neighbor believed the fence was on
their property.