A property survey can be used to find out where the boundaries of a property lie.You need to hire a professional to do the survey if you want to buy or sell a property.If you're curious about where your legal property line is, you can conduct an approximate property survey yourself.
Step 1: If you have to survey the land.
The purpose of a property survey is to prevent disputes.Without your knowledge, a neighbor's fence or buildings could be on your property.Surveys can be performed prior to the sale of a property, the beginning of construction on a building or fence, or when the property is being subdivided.A property survey gives you the ability to know where your property ends and begins.Legally-binding surveys are only done by professionally-done property surveys.
Step 2: Know that boundaries may not be accurate.
It is possible that existing boundaries are not the real boundaries of a property.A ditch or creek may be the natural boundary between you and your neighbor.When determining the actual boundaries of properties, your deed may specify another line.
Step 3: Do you want to survey the land of your own?
If you choose to have your land professionally surveyed, you can expect to pay between $350 and $500.You can survey the land yourself if you don't want to pay.Doing so will not give you the same benefits of a professional survey.An amateur survey can't be used in court, as part of a property sale, or as a way to move existing property markers to make them more accurate.An amateur survey can be used to get an educated approximation of your boundary line and may help you in property disputes of a non-legal nature.It would be difficult for you to get on your own information such as gaps or overlaps with neighboring properties, right-of-ways, and your ownership of water features.Public infrastructure, utility rights, access points, and other issues.
Step 4: If you need one, hire a professional.
If you want to save money, you can perform a property survey by yourself, but it can get you in trouble.If you're off by a small margin, your neighbor can take you to court, which could end up costing you thousands.Before you decide not to spend a few hundred dollars to have your land professionally surveyed, consider the costs of making a mistake.Make sure that the professional you hire is licensed, insured, and has years of experience.A licensed professional who specializes in property surveys is a better choice than a general contractor or handyman.
Step 5: Property documents can be purchased.
You will need at least one legal document to determine where your legal boundaries are.A section called "legal description" should be in the deed to the land.The map of your land is called a plat.The map of the borders of your property will be shown on the plat.It can be difficult to locate a plat for your land.Sometimes they are included with the deed.Sometimes they can be found in your city or county's records.If there are records in your town or county hall, check them out.If you can't locate a plat, try locating the surrounding properties.You can use this to identify shared boundaries.If the map is very old, it can be unreliable.Not all land has been surveyed.
Step 6: Understand your property documents.
The plat should be easy to understand, as it shows the location of boundary lines and markers, and sometimes has other helpful information.The legal description on the deed will use one of two systems for describing boundary lines: metes and bounds or the public land survey system.The Metes and bounds system uses a bearing and length between points to describe the property.The degree markings on a compass are converted into bearing notation.To find the matching compass azimuth, you need to add a number (0 for NE, 90 for SE, 180 for SW, or 270 for NW) to the listed measurement.The next marker 200 feet to S50W might be listed in the description.The next marker is roughly to the southwest.The azimuth system would give S50W a temperature of 230 degrees.Your land can be described by the original boundaries.The land was split into 640-acre sections.The sections were split into quarters and further quarters.Part of a section is described with fractions.The NW 1/2 of Section 4 would be the left-most part.
Step 7: Gather your tools.
Ensuring that you are following the heading towards the next marker will require a method of measuring your progress.A compass and a long tape measure are used by most surveyors.You should bring your maps and documents with you.Bring a method of marking your markers, such as flags or posts.
Step 8: It's a known corner.
You will need a starting point.Legal descriptions usually give a starting point to measure from.It could say "50 feet SW of the road" or start at a tree or rock feature.You can find this point on your property by searching for a marker.You can use the maps to find a starting corner.You can find maps that can help you locate a starting corner on the internet.You can get a virtual copy of an aerial map for free through these services.You may have to zoom in or out.The corner may be a road intersection or a neighbor's marker.As they may have been moved over the years, don't count on using markets like trees, fences, or rocks.
Step 9: Start by the corner.
Go to the property with your supplies and maps.Search for an existing property marker on the corner you discovered.If you don't have an existing marker, mark the corner yourself with the information you have.It is important to be skeptical of objects you find when locating survey monuments, as they may be just junk on your land.Unless they match up perfectly with your map or deed's description, they may not be what you are looking for.If you don't know the location of the monument, you can hire a professional to do a survey.
Step 10: You can use your compass to find the location of the corner.
To find the bearing at the next marker, start at your corner and move your compass.Start walking with your tape measure at the first corner.It is possible to identify a landmark in that direction first so that you know you are on course.The distance is not related to the land's topography.The horizontal distance is not over obstruction or hills.You may have to find a way to keep your tape measure level while you measure.If you can't pass the obstruction by yourself, then you should move in the opposite direction and then back on course.
Step 11: If you've reached the corner, mark it.
Search for the described marker when you think you've reached the next corner.It may be buried or missing if you can't find it.If you can locate it using a metal detector, you might be able to identify it.You can use your compass as a metal detector if you hold it very close to the ground.You can find something metallic underground when it points downward towards the ground.Markers can be anything.Old markets can include glass shards, etched rocks, wooden stakes, piles of charcoal, or anything else.Some markers are hard to locate.If you can't locate the next corner, try another one.Locating the two corners can help you find the missing one.
Step 12: Go to the other corners.
You just found a corner.If you didn't find an existing marker, estimate it.Make sure to mark each corner along the way for the rest of the property.As you go, you can choose the mark the property line.If you need to retrace your path, this can help.After this process, you will be able to return to your starting point with a plot of land behind you.You will have to retrace your steps to find out what went wrong.