Boundary Surveys 101
To some, boundary surveys suggest they are set to lose a section of their property but this is not the case. A boundary survey is carried out to determine and define property lines and is an important procedure for anyone buying a property of any type. This is because it can let the purchased know if they is any easement or encroachment on the property.
Many people mistakenly believe that a boundary survey is the same as a mortgage inspection but this is not the case. A mortgage inspection is subjective and they essentially check that whatever is said to be there, is actually there – this could potentially be very damaging and costly for the purchaser hence if you have professional documentation based on the boundary survey, you will be in a secure position moving forward.
Another common error is that some people believe a clear title indicates the owner can legally sell the property. Again, the purchaser is not guaranteed that the land, buildings, and so forth are accurate. The title insurance policies do not offer the needed protection for the buyer that might be discovered in a full boundary survey.
When carrying out a boundary survey, the surveyor will examine historical records relating to the property being purchased as well as taking a look at surrounding properties. In addition to this, they will also research historical associations and the registry of probate, as the more evidence the purchaser has of the boundaries, the better.
The cost of a boundary survey, in addition to other costs incurred when buying a property, often puts people off from having one carried out. In some cases though they do not realise a mistake further down the process could be most costly. The price of a survey is determined by a number of factors including location, size and even the season. At this stage it would not be uncommon to obtain an estimate – though note if any discrepancies are uncovered by the surveyor the estimate will rise based on additional work required.
When completed the survey will show a plan of the property, a written description, notes of any monuments on property corners and how certain factors were used to specify the boundaries. It is possible that the purchaser and surveyor made previous arrangements as to how the boundaries are marked – this could be in the form of trees, pipes or similar. Each of these will indicate the license number of the surveyor.
Despite being an additional expenditure at the start of the buying process, it can often save you money further down the line. If ignored now, and a new neighbour was to move in next door who queries as to why part of your property goes over to what they believe the boundary to be – a new problem can arise which would be more costly to rectify that the initial survey. As such, if there is any doubt regarding boundaries, a survey should always be carried out.
About the Author:
Sitechnics are a land survey company whom practice in boundary surveys, measured building surveys and topographic surveys. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
