If a line or corner location is unknown or in dispute.
If money-lending agency requires a survey.
Before constructing a building or fence.
Conveying land from a larger tract that has not been surveyed.
Before cutting timber near a property line.
When you believe someone is encroaching on your land.
Establish easements and right-of-way.
How Much Will My Survey Cost?
Many factors involved:
Purpose of the survey and equipment needed.
Deed research required.
Number of unknown corners.
Existence of fences.
Vagueness of descriptions.
Number of acres.
Terrain and vegetation.
Accessibility.
Liability.
If the surveyor has made other surveys in the area.
If there are disputes over any lines.
You should receive from the surveyor schedule of rates travel and
mileage expenses, cost of marker, paint, etc..
The surveyor may be able to give you an estimate of total cost, or a "high" or "low" figure, but he may not be bound by those figures.
Low cost surveys can be poor surveys. A good survey that meets your need and legal requirements may cost more but will be less expensive in the long run.
What Can A Surveyor Do For Me?
Examine your deed and those of adjoiners and look for evidence on
the ground to see if there are problems.
Advise if you actually need a survey.
Find and mark your corners properly
Mark and paint lines.
Divide property, establish new corners and markers.
Make contour maps and show the elevations.
Locate oil/gas wells, buildings, fences, right-of-way, encroachments, other possession evidence.
Inform interested parties of the progress and results.
Cooperate with your attorney, Realtor, banker, engineer or architect.
Appear in hearings as an expert witness.
What The Surveyor Needs From you?
The purpose of the survey.
Your deed or a copy of it or the Book and Page where it is recorded in the County Clerk's Office, any Plats you have and information about location of corners and lines.
Brief history of ownership.
Name and address of adjoiners.
Information about disagreements over location of corners and lines.
What Should I Receive From The Surveyor?
Work done in accordance with State laws, regulations and high standards of ethics.
Plat(s) showing all necessary information for recording.
A survey description that can be used in a deed.
Itemized statement for professional services rendered.
Caution For Landowners
Don't mistake preliminary traverse lines for true lines. Generally we use white flagging for preliminary work and we use orange and white for the true lines.
Don't move or relocate markers.
Don't seek the cheapest surveyor; select one who will do a satisfactory job for you.
Contact the surveyor well before the survey is needed.