Know Your Boundaries
Determining Property Boundaries
Property boundary surveys are at the core of land surveying. While Professional Land Surveyors offer a variety of services to the public, it is the determination of property boundaries that solely distinguishes Land Surveyors from other geospatial and engineering professionals.
Boundary surveys can range from locating lot lines in an existing subdivision to retracing the boundaries of large rural lands. It may also include the creation of new boundaries as lands are partitioned and subdivided.
When it comes to property boundaries, Marling Surveying is equipped and experienced to help. We want to start by helping you ask all the right questions. Learn more below, and contact us whenever you are ready to get started.
Where to Begin
The first priority should be to gather the most recent deed and any survey records that you have for the property. If you don’t have a copy of your deed, that information can be found on record with your local record clerk. Also, be prepared to describe the scope and limits of the work needed. If you need some help, we would be glade to guide you through the process. Contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a property boundary survey?
There are many times when a boundary survey would benefit you.
- When buying land, to protect the investment you are about to make.
- When selling land, to ensure that you are selling just that part intended.
- Before land is divided by deed, will, or court order.
- When a lending agency requires a survey.
- When purchasing title insurance.
- Before constructing improvements such as fences, driveways, buildings, etc.
- When a parcel is to be conveyed from a larger tract.
- Before timber is to be cut.
- When a property line or corner location is unknown or in dispute.
- When you believe someone is encroaching on your land.
What information do you need to begin my survey?
- The purpose of the survey. While it is always our intention to perform a thorough job, it is essential that we understand the primary purpose our final product will serve.
- A copy of your deed, or the book and page where it is recorded in your parish/county. For help finding your local clerk’s office click HERE.
- Any information that you have in your personal records including survey plats and legal descriptions.
- A brief history of ownership and past conveyances.
- Names and addresses of adjacent landowners.
- Information about known disagreements over the location of corners and property lines.
- A site visit with the surveyor may be beneficial.
- A copy of all title examination notes, if available.
How much will my survey cost?
With the proper information provided, we can offer an accurate estimate for your project.
Having a professional survey performed will often be the least expensive part of your land or project cost. And a survey will always cost less in time and money than legal fees or the relocation of buildings or other improvements when a discrepancy is discovered later.
The cost of a survey will be affected by many factors, such as:
- Client deadlines. A short lead-time creates inefficiencies for scheduling other projects and company priorities. Order your survey well in advance to ensure the best available estimate.
- The type of survey, personnel, and equipment required.
- The amount of deed and record research required.
- The number of corners to be reestablished.
- The existence of fences, buildings, and other structures.
- The type and clarity of descriptions.
- The size and shape of the area to be surveyed.
- The terrain, amount of vegetation, buildings, fences, the season of the year, etc.
- Accessibility of the property.
- Disputes about any property lines.
- Recent surveys in the area.
I only need one line marked, how much will that cost?
Every job is different. In some cases, we may have enough information to minimize the work required in marking the line you are looking for. However, other circumstances may require extensive work to prove the line to be marked. This is one reason why it is critical to provide as much information as possible when requesting an estimate.
That's not where the tax assessor's map (or Huntstand) shows my boundary, what's going on?
- Tax maps are not equivalent to boundary surveys. These maps are produced from ‘desktop’ information for the purposes of the local tax assessor to index and assess the properties in their parish/county. Please read the disclaimers published on each of these public viewers.
- While you may find the apparent placement of a tax parcel line favorable, your neighbor may not. It is the job of a Professional Land Surveyor to mark the true boundary line on the ground as is reasonably possible based on the title.
What will I receive after my survey?
Depending on which state your project is in, deliverables may vary. However, along with markings and monumentation in the field, a typical property boundary survey will include the following.
- Survey plat (s) (drawings, maps) suitable for recording, showing all necessary information in accordance with state standards.
- A property description, if required.
- A surveyor’s report (Sometimes referred to as a procès-verbal).
How can I protect my property lines and monuments after my survey is complete?
- Inspect your property lines occasionally.
- Tell your neighbors. Even if your boundary is not disputed, showing your neighbors where the corners are can help to preserve monuments and prevent issues in the future.
- Repaint monuments, marked trees, or other markers frequently.
- Maintain and protect your survey plats and other related documents.
- Have your survey recorded with your local clerk of courts. Find your local clerk’s office by clicking HERE.
