What is a property survey?

Before a property boundary can be defined the surveyor must first research public land records to assist and confirm the actual field locations of the property markers. The surveyor confirms the measurements, types of markers typically utilized by surveyors and a visual confirmation if the property markers look in general conformance with the general lines of occupation, i.e. ( fence lines, tree lines, etc…). The surveyor will not set any boundary markers unless he is 100 percent positive that his calculations are correct. The surveyor can be held liable if he makes a mistake that costs the client money. The surveyor is impartial and has no other agenda but to stake the line correctly. If the surveyor is found to practicing in an unethical manor the surveyor can lose his license and be fined by the State.

After the surveyor confirms the existing boundary markers he will set new markers if none already exist, which are typically iron pins measured 18 to 24 inches long and set ½ inch above ground level with ribbon tied around the top; next to the iron pin a wooden witness stake will be set to more easily identify its location. Along the property boundary the surveyor will set wooden stakes at an interval where the owner can see between them if possible. After completion of the property survey the surveyor will issue a letter of “Boundary Survey Certification” to prove that the survey was indeed surveyed by a licensed Professional Land Surveyor.

If any adjacent property owner contests the validity of the survey, the adjacent owner must hire their own licensed surveyor to confirm the boundary line location. If the two surveys are not consistent with each other, the property owners shall exchange surveyor contact information. It shall be the responsibility for each surveyor to review each other's work and determine if and where a mistake has been made. If the two surveyors cannot come to a consensus to the boundary location, it shall be the owners right to establish their individual boundary rights through a court of law. Visit Eastern Chadrow’s Web site to have them perform a property survey for you.