01/13/2019
Here are some common reasons property owners hire a surveyor.
1. Boundary Lines
One of the most common reasons a landowner seeks the assistance of a surveyor, the location of boundary lines and other lines of occupancy or possession is a critical piece of information to have before you build a fence, add a sun-room or pave your driveway. All too often the survey shows that you and your neighbors were operating under the wrong assumption about the placement of the boundary line between your properties. Before you have that fence erected, you want to make sure it will be built on your property, not your neighbor's. The boundary line certification will also tell you whether the legal description of your property is accurate.
2. Gores, Overlaps, and Gaps
Part of the boundary line certification, most surveys include a statement that unless the surveys says otherwise, there are no discrepancies between the boundary lines of your property and the adjoining property. This is especially pertinent if your property is continuous with alleys, roads, highways, or streets.
3. Rights-of-Way, Easements, And Abandoned Roads
A survey will show all the conditions imposed by law that are reflected in your property's title report and other agreements. If your property blocks your neighbor's access to the road, for example, there may be an old agreement (called an "easement") that gives your neighbor the right to walk across your yard to the street.
4. Ponds, Rivers, Creeks, Streams, Wells, and Lakes
The typical survey reports visible or surface waters only. Underground waters and wetlands are topics that are better covered by other professional inspections.
5. Joint Driveways, Party Walls, Rights-of-Support, Encroachments, Overhangs, or Projections
Unbeknownst to you or your next-door neighbor, you may have an obligation by law to support your neighbor's driveway by maintaining your own.
