Do you know where your property ends and begins? Most homeowners usually have a general idea of their property lines, but they never know the exact locations. A basic part of owning a property is knowing where its boundaries are located. Without this important information, you could find yourself vulnerable to arguments, unintentionally in violation of your property lines and legally responsible for any damages. Boundary surveys are typically performed before buying, improving, dividing or building on land. A registered boundary surveyor in Texas will uncover any existing limitations local and state laws have placed on the property, in addition to identifying any encroachments or easements.
When you’re preparing to have a boundary survey performed, you should be sure to take these three steps first.
Hire a skilled boundary surveyor in Texas
It’s impossible to accurately assess property boundaries without hiring a professional land surveyor. They will determine the land ownership by following three phases: research, fieldwork and reconciling the research using the fieldwork results. You’ll need a boundary surveyor that has the right experience and knowledge to complete the job both accurately and efficiently. They should be familiar with the area and the property types nearby. Vet your surveyor by inquiring about their past jobs. Ask for reviews from previous customers.
Hiring a less reputable surveying firm might be cheaper, but they are often more expensive in the long run—a surveyor with outrageously low costs will likely produce an inaccurate report or miss important steps. This could cause major problems in the long run and lead to huge legal fees. Plus, you’ll likely have to pay for a second boundary survey after learning the first one was inferior.
Gather any existing records
Surveyors rely heavily on historical records related to the property to determine boundary lines. This could include transaction history from each time the property switched ownership, any existing maps and information from previous surveys. Typically, these details may have been passed from owner to owner, or may be available at the office of the local city recorder. Obviously, the more documentation the surveyor can access, the better. All this documentation will help the surveyor perform an accurate and legally sound survey in a timely manner.
Clear away any existing vegetation
Overgrown trees, thick brush and dense bushes can make the job much more challenging for a boundary surveyor in Texas. Trying to perform a boundary survey through overgrown vegetation could slow down or even interfere with the process. Take the time to clear away any plants that could impede the surveying process from going smoothly. This simple step will help ensure the efficiency and accuracy of the survey.
For more information about boundary surveys, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced team of professionals at D.G. Smyth & Company. Our licensed and trained staff specializes in boundary surveys, topographic surveys, construction staking and more. Call us today to speak with one of our friendly project managers about your surveying needs—we look forward to working with you soon!