read the types of projects that want place line sight and what to do when problem lift .
If you plan to make changes to your prop — including anything fromadding a fenceor terrace todigging a pool — chances are you ’ll need a firm understanding of your prop lines .
“ Typically , you need a property line survey if you ’re reckon at building or renovating a fence or adding an extension service or outbuilding , ” says Matthew Consolo , CEO of Air Force Roofing and co - founding father of Dreamscape Construction .
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Here ’s what you should expect as you have your property surveyed , along with the case of projection potential to require this information .
What to Expect with a Property Survey
Aboundary surveyis the most common of the belongings survey you’re able to have done for your home .
“ Boundary surveys may not always include setbacks , right of manner , easements , and utility location , ” says Coleman Cosby , in - house construction expert for Yardzen . “ This can be necessary information to include on plans being bow for permitting a project . They also do not include the elevation and topographical information needed for estate ontogeny undertaking , grading , or drain design . ”
Boundary surveys focus on only one piece of dimension , so they do n’t always offer a full moving picture .
Property sketch are typically conduct when a home is bought or sell . Chances are you already have the info on hand or can well see it for your dimension .
“ Unlike plat mathematical function , boundary surveys are typically of a exclusive prop ; they show the edge and features within the belongings lines and do n’t let in street , sidewalks , or neighboring holding that would be postulate for subdivision projects , ” Cosby adds .
“ There may be some public phonograph record of dimension boundaries useable , ” Cosby says . “ While that could be used as part of the research for a survey , homeowners still typically require tohire a licensed surveyorto have lawfully relevant property bound identified . ”
Finding and Working with a Surveyor
If you need more information , you might need to hire a surveyor . This is a good estimation even if you have a view , but you want to check that the entropy is up - to - escort and accurate .
“ If a survey has n’t been lead for a long time , it ’s advisable to have a new one done , ” Cosby says . “ This can confirm boundary lines to avoid any property disputes , and readjust , reinstalling , or reveal monument marking on the belongings corners will help fence builder install fencing in the correct fix . ”
Surveyors are easy find online , but asking for a citation is wise . “ require your architect , railroad engineer , or contractile organ is a good place to start , ” Cosby say . “ Another pro bakshis : acquire a recommendation from neighbors can lead to finding a surveyor who is familiar with local properties standardised to yours . ”
A typical sketch cost between $ 500 and $ 2,000 . “ The area you live in , your property ’s topography , and the complexness of the property all influence toll , ” Cosby adds .
Surveys can take a few hours to deport , but results might not be useable for a couple of week . “ The surveyor will physically measure and denounce the property boundaries , ” Consolo says . “ The utter process depends on the sizing and complexness of the property . Check with the surveyor at the commencement for a clear timeline . ”
Projects that Require Surveys
Projects that take place on the border of your prop demand a survey — think drive and fencing . Projects that take place at the center of your lot , such as adding a large porch off your household that extends into the yard , could also require sight data point .
“ If you are building a wall or fencing , or need to add an out-of-door feature of speech , building or even extend your nursing home , you potentially need a property note sight , ” says Richard Ala , president at Six Brothers Contractors .
The Value of a Survey
Even if you do n’t think you need a study , having the information is valuable . “ It ’s heavy information to have in your back pocket if you plan to make any updates or complete any out-of-door renovations in the futurity , ” Cosby says .
Once you have your view information , share it with your declarer and permit your neighbors know the task you contrive to ward off conflict .
“ Prior to starting a property line fence labor it is always advisable to notify the neighbors , and sharing a resume can avail avoid any boundary disputes , ” Cosby say . “ If you are working with a contractor , the exact locating of holding bound has a direct wallop on their work . ”
When Problems Arise
It ’s not uncommon for holding line disputes to hinder undertaking . Whether you disagree with a neighbor about who owns a tree or are asking the metropolis for permit to repave and spread out your driveway , the issue of where your attribute line lies could become a sticking point .
Because these lines were make up one’s mind decades ago and recorded in one-time systems , there ’s way for mental confusion and discussion . So , while you might find yourself contend with a neighbor about a property ancestry , have a survey done could be the kettle of fish . “ Property line surveys are the go - to solution for boundary difference of opinion , ” Consolo says .
How to Dispute Survey Results
If you find yourself in the midsection of a difference that has n’t been settled with survey results , you have recourse .
“ Homeowners would need to confabulate a real estate of the realm lawyer of their local land surveying plank for steering on how to settle discrepancy or dispute , ” Consolo says . “ It may be that the homeowner will need to revise their place line survey . Usually disputes arise with new form or when the possession of a fence or wall is not unmortgaged . ”
Sharing a sight can also assist obviate disputes by maintain everyone involved on the same page . “ If you ’re getting work done , keep a copy for yourself , and give a copy to your contractor , architect , and neighbors bordering your property , ” Ala suggest .
