When Do You Need A Land Survey, And What Is It?

In order to establish property lines and pinpoint specific characteristics, a land survey is essential. Without land surveys, there would be no way to determine where one parcel of property ends and another begins. Property disputes may not result in as much upheaval as they formerly did, but it is still important for everyone to know who owns what.

 

In your own words, how would you characterize a land survey?

The boundaries of a piece of property may be shown clearly in a land survey diagram. The survey will also include the sizes and placements of any buildings or other modifications to the land.

The size and shape of the land, as well as the type of legal description available, all affect the best approach to land surveying.

 

How can I know whether I need a land survey?

It's probable that you won't be able to figure out where your property borders are just by looking at a legal description. If you're looking to buy or remodel a piece of property, or even if you just want to know where the boundaries of your property are, a land surveyor like Ferrantello Group may help.

Some of the many justifications for doing a land survey include:

• Establishing boundaries between properties.
• Keeping to the mortgage's terms.
• Title insurance should not be overlooked.
• Disputes involving property lines are settled.
• It's important to know exactly what you're getting when you buy something.
• Recognizing rights of way and easements.
• Constructing a building or other structure.
• Modernizing a dated property survey.
• How to find a service provider.

Land surveyors may need to take new measurements if a property's legal description from decades ago makes reference to a landmark or monument that is no longer present on the site. The surveyor may also set up fresh land survey monuments to serve as corner and boundary markers.

 

 

Several distinct kinds of land surveys are performed nowadays

The reason you need a land survey is what will define the kind of survey you get. Whether you need to just find your property boundaries or are wanting to separate pieces of land, professional land surveyors undertake property surveys to address your unique real estate requirements.

Some common types of land surveys are as follows:

• A survey was taken by ALTA.
• Map out the confines.
• Examining the Area
• Subdivision mapping survey.
• Site planning requires a survey.
• Inspection of the work site.
• Topographical analysis.

 

Survey conducted by ALTA

An ALTA (American Land Title Association) study is conducted on any property being purchased for residential or commercial use. Most title insurance providers necessitate an ALTA survey before they'll issue a policy. An ALTA survey is commonly referred to as a mortgage survey since lenders need them before providing loans.

 

Examining the Limits

It is necessary to conduct a boundary survey in order to pinpoint the exact corners and borders of a given parcel of land. If you need to settle a legal dispute, find an easement, or simply maintain track of your property lines, a boundary survey is an invaluable tool.

 

Mapping the area

A location is like a boundary survey, only it also takes into account any alterations made to the land. The survey shows the placement and size of structures and their relationship to the property borders. Landowners commonly use location surveys to acquire zoning approvals.

 

Neighborhood profiles

Subdivision surveys are used to divide a large piece of land into smaller individual lots for new housing developments. Subdivision surveys are filed with the recorder's office as part of the land records, and subdivision plats are formed from them.

 

Analyzing the methods of preparation

Planning for site enhancements involves doing a site study. The proposed structure or other development is drawn with the help of a boundary survey. A site-planning survey is frequently utilized when requesting a building permit.

 

Examining the building site

A construction survey involves a surveyor mapping out the future location of buildings and other upgrades. The surveyor carries this out so that construction crews know precisely where to build and how far apart new facilities will be.

 

Exploration of the terrain

Both natural and manmade features can be pinpointed with the use of topographical surveys. Some examples of these features are structures like buildings and fences, as well as services like water and electricity, as well as natural features like rivers, trees, and even altitudes. Topographic surveys are commonly used by both engineers and architects when planning for site improvements.

 

I need to know how much a land survey will set me back

The scope and size of the property are major factors in establishing the price of a land survey. The time it takes for a licensed surveyor to travel to and from the property also factors into the final cost.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a land survey is$500. The price range is from $200 to $800. Greater property area or a greater number of property corners will result in higher land survey costs.

The usual cost of an ALTA study is more than that of a standard survey because of the additional work involved in doing extensive document research and delivering extensive information. Most ALTA surveys will run you between $2,000 and $3,000.

Remember that these are averages for the whole country. Depending on the current state of the market and the accessibility of relevant public records, the price of a home survey might rise significantly. In California, for instance, the price of a study might range from $5,000 to $10,000. This figure may be much higher if the survey is more involved.

 

Instructions for obtaining a copy of a recorded land survey

There are two common places to find a certified copy of a land survey: the local building department and the land recorder's office. In some places, the survey may also be filed away with the local tax assessor.

When looking for a survey, a title business might also be of use. It is common practice for title insurance companies to request an ALTA survey before offering coverage, so they may already have a copy on file.

 

The essentials of being a land surveyor

There is minimal room for error in the land surveying process because of how complex it is. In order to ensure that a property survey is conducted by a qualified professional, every state has its own regulations about who may do such a service.

Though land surveyor licensing requirements vary by state, most states require the following of its applicants:

• You need to finish your education.
• Exam.
• There is a needed level of expertise.
• Most jurisdictions need surveyors to enroll in CE every two years to maintain their license.
• To become a surveyor, most persons need a bachelor's degree in surveying, mapping, or geomatics.

Most businesses need surveyors to have more than just the necessary licensure before they'll let them lead and certify a survey.

 

In conclusion

A land survey is a record of the location and characteristics of your property. Property lines are essential for several reasons: without them, a bank won't know what it's funding, and a construction team won't know where to begin work. Take care to maintain an accurate land survey that takes into account any recent changes to the property. If a land survey is to be of any service, it must be precise.