Services
**These definitions are not intended to be legal or technical
definitions.
The purpose is to help a member of
the general public have a general understanding of survey terms.
For more definitive definitions
other sources should be used.
Boundary Survey
A Boundary
Survey’s main purpose is to identify the boundary lines (dividing
lines between parcels of land) of a parcel of land. A
boundary survey is very different from a house location survey.
Although they are often thought to be the same, there are some
important differences. Boundary surveys determine the lines of a
particular property. Markers, also known as property corners, are
set with iron rods. While a house location has an estimated accuracy
of +/- three feet, a boundary survey is nearly 100% accurate. They
are used for construction or improvement purposes, such as
constructing a fence or putting in a swimming pool. They can also be
used for encroachment or other property line issues. An also
overlooked fact about boundary surveys is the fact that they can add
to your property value. Knowing where your property lines are is a
valuable commodity to any homeowner, as well as a great future
selling point! Our team of experienced professionals will be happy
to give you any additional information, as well as a free estimate.
It is not unusual to find property owners who mistakenly think they know where their boundary lines are. Not long ago, we did a survey-for a property owner who confirmed that their neighbor had built a new gunnite pool partially on their property. The next door neighbor had shown the pool contractor iron pipes that had been pointed out to her by her agent as her property corners. These iron pipes were not her property corners. The pool contractor would not take responsibility for the placement of the pool because of an item in their contract saying, “location of boundary lines are the responsibility of the owner.” The next door neighbor had to pay tens-of-thousands of dollars to move the pool and may face trespassing and damage charges.
Frequently, we see fences and expensive
landscaping placed in the wrong place because the property owner did
not hire a Licensed Professional Surveyor to do the boundary survey.
These are the only professionals licensed to survey your
property. Fence, pool
and landscape companies are not permitted to do a boundary survey
unless they have a surveying license.
Don’t wait,
contact us today!
"This is a picture of a new property corner set. The actual property corner is the yellow cap. A wooden stake has been placed near the property corner so it can be easily found. The yellow cap is attached to a metal rod going down into the ground"
Site Plans (also known as
Grading Plans and Plot Plans)
A Site Plan is
a plan of your property drawn from a bird’s eye view, looking down
on your land. The plan
shows any existing and future structures (house, garage, etc.) and
topography. The main
purpose of the Site Plan is to show where you will place structures,
how you will grade your land, as well as how you will handle
environmental issues such as:
- Erosion and sediment control
- Stormwater runoff
- Potable water
- Sewage disposal
- Wetlands
- Critical area
- Steep slopes, etc.
Fence/Landscaping Stakeouts
Before you have a fence surround your property, you must be sure that it is your property. A fence can add value to your home, but if you have to move it, the process can become quite costly! A fence stakeout will help you protect your property. Although it may or may not be recommended by your individual fence company, the responsibility rests with you, the homeowner, to ensure that the fence does not encroach on someone else’s property. Advanced Surveys, Inc., is proud to work with some of the largest fence companies in the metro area.
Keep in mind, existing property corners may have been substantially moved at sometime in the past. Initial construction activities sometimes disturb property corners. We have found markers that were pulled out when grading was taking place and then put back in by someone that thought they knew where it should go but they were wrong by over 20 feet. Property corners have been moved by neighbors since biblical times. “Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors …” Deuteronomy 19:14 NIV.
Only a Licensed Surveyor has the technical equipment, knowledge and license to lawfully check your boundary location.
It would be our pleasure to give you a free estimate and answer any questions you may have. Don’t wait, contact us today! Also see - Boundary Survey.
Elevation Certificate
- National Flood Insurance Program
An
Elevation
Certificate compares a property’s elevation data to the Base Flood
elevation data. A
licensed Surveyor or Engineer makes actual field measurements using
survey instruments and techniques to obtain the property’s elevation
data and then transfers that data to the Certificate which is an
official form of the National Flood Insurance Program.
All of us saw the catastrophic results of
hurricane Katrina in 2005.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) says; “Floods are
one of the most common hazards in the
The FEMA Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is to be used to provide information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordnances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F).
Advanced Surveys, Inc. uses the latest survey
equipment and software to do an actual field survey to determine
your building elevations.
The certificate is completed under the supervision of a
Registered Professional who certifies the Elevation Certificate.
Don’t wait,
contact us today!
Residential Landscape Architecture
Landscaping is a major part of the total
appearance of a house.
Whether welcoming friends or selling your house, curb side appeal
has a major influence on first impressions.
In addition to appearance, well designed outdoor spaces can
lift our mood, please our senses, and enhance our feelings of
calmness.
Residential owners can increase the value of their
home by 15%, recouping 100% to 200% of their investment at selling
time. Home owner
recognizing this great return have more than tripled their spending
on landscape design and installation over the last 5 years. (Money
Magazine 2003)
A comprehensive landscape plan can insure years of
enjoyment by implementing phases of work as time and finances
permit. Integrating
landscape features such as patios, decks, retaining walls, steps,
pools and fountains with plantings can bring satisfaction and
comfort knowing that a unified harmonious plan is being developed. Don’t
wait,
contact us today!
Commercial
Landscape Architecture
House Location Survey
House Location
Surveys are often required by lenders at closing when purchasing a
new home. The survey
shows the approximate relationship of structures (house, garage,
etc.) to the apparent boundary lines.
This type of survey should not be used to identify boundary
lines. A Boundary Survey
is needed to know where your boundary lines are and before putting
up a fence, landscaping or building close to the property lines,
etc.