| There are many different types of land surveys. | | | | to make re-surveying the land easier at some |
| Residential land surveys are among the most | | | | point in the future. |
| common, and are the type of survey most likely | | | | The measurements may be taken using a transit |
| to be encountered by the general public. | | | | and tape measure, or an electronic tool known as |
| Residential land surveying involves the precise | | | | an EDM. Today, GPS may also be used for land |
| measurements of the boundaries of a certain | | | | surveys, though not usually in areas that are |
| piece of real estate. This may also be called a | | | | heavily wooded. Newer technology is allowing |
| boundary survey. Land surveys may be used in | | | | residential land surveying to be undertaken with |
| the case of property disputes or before you build | | | | very accurate results. |
| on the land; title and lending companies may also | | | | Usually, a land surveyor will measure each location |
| require a land survey showing structures on the | | | | multiple times, averaging these results to |
| property. | | | | determine the true position of the point. The |
| Residential land surveying is much more | | | | location of boundaries and easements will then be |
| complicated than simply measuring the boundaries | | | | marked on your land. After the measurements |
| of your land according to the property deed. Land | | | | are complete and have been marked on your |
| surveyors actually research and then plot the true | | | | land, the land surveyor will generally walk the |
| boundaries of the property. One step that is | | | | property with you, pointing out the landmarks |
| often forgotten about by those considering a | | | | measuring each point, such as a plastic or metal |
| survey of their land is the research that begins | | | | stake. Then, the surveyor will advise you on any |
| before the actual measurements may be taken. | | | | differences between the current survey and |
| The first step of a land survey is to search for | | | | previous surveys or records of the land, including |
| any records concerning the property. These | | | | any areas where neighboring property owners |
| include title certificates, deeds, and other papers. | | | | have encroached on the land. |
| Then, the land surveyor researches past surveys, | | | | When a professional land survey is complete, the |
| easements, and other records which may | | | | property lines as stated by the licensed surveyor |
| influence his findings. Most of today's homes are | | | | become the legal boundaries of the property. |
| built on property that was sold after dividing up a | | | | Usually, these boundary lines do not differ |
| larger piece of property; this can make the | | | | significantly from the previously accepted land |
| survey's job more challenging, especially if this | | | | boundaries, but this is not always the case. In |
| division was not surveyed or recorded properly. | | | | some situations, your neighbors will also need to |
| Once the surveyor understands the historic | | | | have a residential land survey conducted as well, if |
| boundaries of the property, the land surveyor will | | | | there is a boundary dispute. Having your property |
| take the measurements of your land, determining | | | | surveyed by a residential land surveyor can give |
| whether the in-use boundaries conflict with the | | | | you peace of mind as you gain certainty about |
| boundaries recorded in records or past surveys. | | | | the exact boundaries of your property. |
| Various points are marked, usually using stakes, | | | | |