Property Lines and Boundary Facts

Figuring out where your boundary is seems like the kind of thing that should be simple. You know where your property ends and where your neighbor’s begins, so what else is there to know? The truth is it’s actually a complicated process. Often, boundary services require a Professional Land Surveyor. Before they put their signature on the final map, they have to supervise the project and give the map a state-authorized seal. All of this isn’t negotiable; by the way, it’s the law.

Establishing (or re-establishing) property lines is best done quickly and professionally. Groups like Chris Nelson Associates have the experience that can make a complicated, difficult process easy. First, they consult with the client, to figure out exactly what the client wants or needs out of the survey process. Then, the research begins. By researching the title of your property as well as the surrounding properties, boundary services are able to find the original property line. This is especially helpful if it’s been blurred by time, plant growth, buildings, or anything else. A thorough inspection of the field is followed by collecting the evidence and intricate, detailed measurements. Then, they take all the information they’ve found, and compare it to that original title research. From there, they can determine the genuine, official boundary lines. If the property corners are somehow malformed, they can reset them to their proper, correct place. Then, and only then, do they prepare the final Corner Record or Record of Survey.

If you’ve had a property for a long time, at one point or another, you’ve probably thought that the boundary lines used to be different. Often, you’re right about this. Boundary services can help to put the boundaries exactly to where they used to be. Documents like these can come in very hand if you ever suspect that your neighbor has begun using part of your land. When that happens, the fact is that you want to confront them quickly.  

Know Where to Draw the Line

It’s always good to know where the line is drawn. Sometimes, though, it’s unclear, and that’s when it’s a good idea to call a surveyor. A surveyor can help you re-establish boundaries by doing boundary surveys in Thousand Oaks.

A boundary survey shows a property owner where exactly the edges of his property end. A typical survey includes either an updated map of the property or a completely new one that the property owner can keep on hand for future references. It’s a good idea to invest in boundary surveys in Thousand Oaks if you plan on selling your property, particularly if the buyer will be using your land for public infrastructure, or if you are a new homeowner.

It can be beneficial to have a boundary survey for a number of reasons. If you want to put a fence around your property, for example, a survey can show you where your yard ends and your neighbor’s yard begins. This kind of information is helpful so that you put your fence on your property and don’t accidentally include some of your neighbor’s yard. It can also be useful to get a boundary survey before you add on to your house so that you make sure that your new deck won’t encroach on your neighbor’s side yard and will adhere to your home’s zoning regulations.

Additionally, boundary surveys can show you important information about utilities on your property. You may have underground utilities that your local utility company needs to get to, allowing them to legally use that part of your yard. Another important thing you can learn from a boundary survey is whether your property has any overlaps or gaps in it. This is a good thing to know if your home borders an alley, as your property line isn’t necessarily restricted to your side of the alley.  

For a clear idea of where your property ends, consider hiring a experienced provider who performs boundary surveys in Thousand Oaks such as Chris Nelson & Associates. Sometimes knowing where the line is drawn helps everyone to get along just a bit better.

Choosing a Land Surveyor

A land surveyor works to understand the boundaries between properties and the condition of those pieces of land. Often, a title company employs them before determining property values. If you are in the process of choosing a land surveyor in LA, there are some things to consider and some questions to ask that will help you find the right one.

There are some important considerations when choosing a land surveyor. First, you need to know what you want done, what your budget is, and when you need the project completed. Second, it is important to know that only those surveyors licensed by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land surveyors are allowed to survey land. This might seem obvious, but this certification involves rigorous testing and protects clients from inaccurate measurements. A third thing to think about is whether the surveyor has experience with projects that are similar to yours. Related to this is whether they have worked with your local building and public works department.

Finding a surveyor with not just general experience, but with experience related to your location and project is important because it will help make sure that the process goes smoothly and complies with all regulations. Along with those considerations, there are some important questions to ask when choosing a land surveyor in LA. Ask a surveyor what fees will be involved and what could make the cost increase. This will help you stay on budget.


Another question is whether there are environmental issues that will need to be accounted for. It is possible that the surveyor may not know right away, but it is something that should be researched before the project starts. Last, ask all prospective surveyors for a list of references that you can call. This will help you find a surveyor that works hard and completes projects on time.

Following this advice will help you if you are choosing a land surveyor in LA. Take your time and find the one that is right for your project.

Learn About Land Development Surveys Before You Buy Property

If you are new at purchasing large properties, you might not be familiar with surveying.  As you begin to make final decisions on pieces of land, your real estate representative may mention types of land development surveys offered by Chris Nelson & Associates that either will be required or you should consider.  It’s a good idea to educate yourself as much as possible about real estate before you buy, so here is a quick overview of a few common surveys.

ALTA

There is a reason the ALTA survey is known as the “Cadillac of surveys.”  The standards for ALTA are determined by the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and its boundary information also includes data on improvements, rights-of-way, and other elements that impact land ownership.  ALTA is the source of information that insurers use for titles of commercial development interests.

Topographic

Development on a piece of land requires precise information about its points of elevation.  Architects and builders will need to know about slopes, hills, and depressions before they begin their work.  Topographic surveys gather data on these features and present them as contour lines.  Professionals can read the contour lines to understand where the peaks and valleys are on your property and plan work around them accordingly.

Boundary

Boundary services establish the corners of your property.  This may sound extremely simple, but in fact these measurements need to be so precise that they must be performed by professionals like Chris Nelson who specialize in land development surveys.  You definitely want a boundary survey established before you purchase a tract of land.

Flood Elevation

If your property is situated in an identified Special Flood Hazard Area as determined by FEMA, you need to make sure that you have an official Elevation Certificate.  The flood elevation survey determines whether or not the buildings on your property can be certified as properly elevated.  Having this certification is essential for obtaining flood insurance.

Learning about land development surveys can be an interesting diversion, and it will help you learn a lot more about any tracts of land that interest you.  Before you buy any property, ask Chris Nelson & Associates about the surveys associated with the purchase.  It may even help you make your final real estate decisions.