When purchasing land, buyers typically want to know where the boundaries are: the acreage, encroachments if any, and any easements or encumbrances on the property in question. In some cases, financial institutions require a survey. A surveyor’s duty is to show an accurate representation of the physical features around the boundary, to research all available documents pertaining to the property, and retrace the boundary lines using all available evidence.

Construction Staking is the layout of design plans on the ground as an aid for the construction of buildings, roads, pipelines, fences, etc.

A Flood Elevation Survey is usually required by lending institutions when the property is located in or near a flood zone. The flood elevation for the area is determined from FEMA mapping. The surveyor’s duty is to determine the elevation around building areas on the property and to certify whether or not the area in question is under or above the prescribed flood elevation.

A Subdivision of land has many meanings depending on which town or county you may live in. Each town or county has specific subdivision regulations that have to be satisfied.

A Topographic Survey, usually referred to as a Topo, is used to depict the elevations of the terrain, any improvements, utilities, and other pertinent information. The Topo is typically used to create a site plan for grading and construction. A Topo is also used to design the erosion control plan required for grading and construction.

An American Land Title Association and American Congress on Surveying and Mapping survey is performed when ordered by Title Insurance companies or lending institutions. This must be requested in writing with all deeds and easements affecting the property provided to the surveyor. This survey is very detailed and will be performed as outlined in the Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys (Feb 23, 2016).

When contacted by a prospective client concerning surveying, the following info is very helpful to the surveyor:

1. Reason for requesting a survey.
2. Location of survey (street address, tax ID, deed book and page if known).
3. If there have been any boundary disputes that you may know of, please inform the surveyor at this time.
4. If there are any survey plats or maps that you may have, they will be helpful.
5. If any easements exist that you may know of, try to remember approx. year, reason, and persons involved.
6. Find out how many map copies of the survey and what sizes will be needed by lending institutions or others involved. If mapping is to be recorded in your county’s courthouse, we will determine the size based on each county’s requirements.