7 Land Surveying Myths And Misconceptions Debunked

Are you considering having a land survey done on your property? There are many survey related misconceptions that can steer you the wrong way. Here is the truth about 7 common surveying myths:

Land surveys aren’t necessary if you can find the survey stakes - If you find the survey stakes from a previous survey, all you know is that there was a previous surveyor who determined that this location was on the edge of the property. The land surveyor you hire can tell you if what you’ve found is really your property line; you may be surprised to learn that in many cases, what you think is a surveying monument may not be it at all. Plus, your findings won’t hold up in court, but a licensed land surveyor’s would.

It’s very rare for a neighbor to encroach over a property line - Don’t be so sure that you aren’t encroaching onto property that legally belongs to your neighbor, or that they aren’t technically on your property. Land surveyors see these types of issues all of the time. Hiring a land surveyor to mark the exact property line is a good investment in your property.

I can build my fence on the property line without a survey - Even when you’re sure you’re building only on your land, protect your investment by making sure that you know exactly where the property lines are. If it turns out that you have built onto a neighboring property, you may be forced to tear down your work. Think twice before building a fence right on the property line, even if you know right where it is. Can you maintain the other side without trespassing on your neighbor’s property? Will the footings encroach on their land?

The fence has to be my property line, it’s been there a hundred years - Fences, especially those built decades ago, are only an approximation of where the property line is or was thought to be. Even if that fence has been used for decades, that doesn’t automatically make it the property line.

All land has already been surveyed, it’s just a matter of finding the survey - Although you may be ale to find old maps created for tax purposes, in many cases the land you own may have never been surveyed. Even if you do find a previous survey from decades ago, it may not always help solve your issue or assist you in identifying the actual property lines on the ground, especially if the surveyor’s monuments are long gone.

I don’t need a second survey if the land was surveyed years ago - Land survey is an art, not an exact science. It is possible for two surveyors to obtain different results. Also, the measurements are made based on the evidence found; surveyors working at different points in time may not have the same evidence available. The new surveyor will have the benefit of the monuments set by the previous surveyor, if they are still in existence, as well as any records recorded after the previous survey. If the previous survey’s results are being questioned, it may be worth it to have another survey done.

Having a survey done is too expensive - Not having a survey done when you really need one can cost you thousands of dollars. Is it worth the risk? This professional service is well worth the cost.

Call POINT TO POINT LAND SURVEYORS and have your property surveyed before installing a fence or other structure that could impact the property line.