What is a Boundary Survey?
A Boundary Survey is a type of land survey used to locate, describe, monument, and map precise boundaries and corners of a land parcel. Requiring a significant amount of independent research and calculations—as well as literal stakes in the ground—a boundary survey is the highest and most accurate survey to establish boundary lines for residential, commercial, or industrial properties.
How is a Boundary Survey conducted?
When performing a boundary survey, a professional surveyor pieces together research and calculations in conjunction with in-field observations and data collection, looking not just at one set of boundary lines but also all the adjoining property lines, to ensure boundary lines make sense.
The first step for boundary surveyors is a trip to the courthouse, either in person or via their online presence, to obtain the deeds for both the property in question and all adjoining properties. Next, a survey crew heads out to complete fieldwork. The crew will search the property as well as adjoining properties for existing boundary evidence.
A licensed surveyor will evaluate the information gathered by the survey crew and compare it to the courthouse research to determine the location of the property boundary and create a platted drawing of the boundaries in AutoCAD. For the final step of marking the property, the survey crew will use the determined property boundaries to set permanent markers in the ground in places where no boundary evidence exists and will mark all corners with a wooden lathe.
Why do you need a Boundary Survey?
If you are constructing, installing a fence, or building an addition to an existing structure, you’re going to want to get a boundary survey. A boundary survey is a way to formally define the boundaries of a property. It focuses largely on defining the corners of a parcel of land and is generally needed before dividing, improving, or building on land.
What does a Boundary Survey show?
After a boundary survey is complete, a land surveyor will create a drawing that can include:
- Lot dimensions – This comes from the deed, subdivision plats, and survey drawings and show the exact lines of the property.
- Improvements – You can choose to have a boundary survey include any improvements made on the land by previous owners, which could include houses, sheds, garages, pools, and other permanent changes to the property.
- Fences – Although used to let people know where your property is, fences are rarely built directly on the property lines. Though fences can be included in the drawing, they should not be taken as the outlines of the property.
- Easements – The land surveyor can include easements on the drawing if they have a copy of the title commitment or other public records.
How much does a Boundary Survey cost?
The cost for a boundary survey varies for each project, depending on lot size, the reason for the survey, as well as the land’s terrain, ruggedness, and vegetative cover. At McSteen, residential Boundary Surveys are individually quoted, starting at $1,800 and up based on complexity and requirements.
Investing in a boundary survey will offer clarity and a clear picture of a property’s boundary limits. With more than 50 years of experience in all 88 counties of Ohio, and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky, McSteen Land Surveyors is a leader in the industry. Contact us today and let our team of survey professionals handle your surveying needs.