Boundary Surveys - What They Are
There are different forms of land surveys that help us to understand and map the planet earth. Boundary surveys are one of the most common types of land surveys plus they play a significant part in every day society.
Exactly what is a Boundary Survey?
Boundary surveys certainly are a type of land survey used to establish the boundaries of a parcel of land using its legal description.
The method of creating boundary surveys usually involves setting or finding previous markers or monuments along the lines and in the corners of the land parcel. These markers range from iron rods and concrete blocks to something as discreet as a stick or stone.
Using these markers, the land surveyor can draft a map or plat that represents the positioning of these markers and subsequently the boundaries of the land.
In a few circumstances the boundary markers may have been vandalized, eroded away or simply buried over time. This may mean that the boundary surveyor needs to use other solutions to create the boundary survey. Methods range from looking for fence locations, monuments on neighboring property, wood lines along with other evidence.
What are they useful for?
Boundary surveys have a variety of purposes, however they are most commonly used to help home owners establish exactly what land is theirs. A boundary survey will highlight what is on your own property along with any easements or encroachments.
If you need to put an extension onto your home or even just to use a fence, shed or landscape your garden - then you will need a boundary survey before you can do this.
Boundary surveys are relatively simple and inexpensive surveys - so many valuable and large commercial properties choose to have a far more detailed ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey done instead.
If you are investing in a new home it is best to consider getting one done before making the final purchase. Oftentimes the title and deeds of the land could be out-dated and inaccurate, meaning you may not be getting just as much land as you expected. Getting a survey will ensure that you have a legal document outlining what is rightfully yours.
A boundary survey may also indicate on it any limitations to the property that may have already been imposed by local or state regulations.
What does it involve?
A licensed land surveyor conducts boundary surveys and will start by researching historical documents related to the land and frequently the land surrounding it as well. A number of the documents and resources they will probably look at include: the Registry of Deeds, county commissioners office, town offices and much more.
Following the prior research the land surveyor will head onto the land itself and create a traverse (control network to greatly help view all areas of the land sequentially). Utility Surveys Craven do this to help find existing monuments which could mark the boundaries of the land.
The final stage is to gather both the field work and earlier research together to compile a final boundary survey. If changes have to be made, the boundary surveyor will get back to the land to place new monuments. A report, legal description and map will be created.
How much does it cost?
The costs vary depending on a number of influencing factors. Many of these factories include: the size, terrain, vegetation and located area of the land parcel. The season will also affect the price tag on the boundary survey - as it will take longer to complete in harsh weather.
Most of the price can't be determined until after the boundary surveyor has begun work - as the price will increase if they are struggling to find markers or there's little historical evidence to utilize.