Guide to Boundary Surveys

Boundary surveying is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of property ownership and development.

In this article we’ll cover:

1. What is a boundary survey?
2. How much does a boundary survey cost?
3. What does a boundary survey include?
4. How long does a boundary survey take?
5. Who pays for a boundary survey?
6. Are boundary surveys public record?
7. Boundary survey services

What is a boundary survey?

A boundary survey, also known as a cadastral survey or property survey, is a type of land survey focused on determining and marking the precise location of property lines, corners, and boundaries of a parcel of land. The primary purpose of a boundary survey is to establish or confirm the legal boundaries of a property, ensuring that the rights and interests of the landowner are protected.

Boundary surveys are typically conducted by licensed land surveyors who use a combination of historical records, legal documents, field measurements, and modern surveying techniques to accurately define property boundaries.

A boundary survey is a critical process for establishing and verifying the legal boundaries of a property, helping landowners, developers, and other stakeholders avoid disputes, encroachments, and potential legal issues related to property rights and land use.

How much does a boundary survey cost?

The cost of a boundary survey can vary widely depending on several factors, making it difficult to provide a specific price without considering the unique aspects of each project. Factors that can influence the cost of a boundary survey include:

1. Property Size: Larger properties typically require more time and effort to survey, resulting in higher costs.
   
2. Terrain and Accessibility: If the property has challenging terrain, such as steep slopes, dense vegetation, or wetlands, the survey may take longer and require specialized equipment, increasing the cost. Similarly, remote or hard-to-reach properties may involve additional travel time and expenses.
   
3. Complexity: Properties with irregular shapes, numerous boundary lines, or complex legal descriptions can require more research, fieldwork, and analysis, leading to higher costs.
   
4. Availability of Records: The cost of a boundary survey can be influenced by the availability and quality of existing records, such as deeds, title documents, and previous surveys. If these records are incomplete, outdated, or conflicting, the surveyor may need to spend more time researching and reconciling the information, which can increase the cost.
   
5. Local Regulations: Local regulations and requirements, such as specific survey standards or monumentation rules, can also impact the cost of a boundary survey.
   
6. Professional Fees: The fees charged by professional land surveyors or surveying firms can vary based on their experience, expertise, and the local market. It’s essential to obtain quotes from multiple providers to ensure you receive a fair and competitive price for your boundary survey.
   

Given these variables, boundary survey costs can range from a few hundred dollars for small, simple properties to several thousand dollars for large, complex parcels. To obtain an accurate quote for your specific property, it’s recommended to consult with a professional land surveyor who can assess your needs and provide a tailored estimate based on the unique characteristics of your property and project requirements.

What does a boundary survey include?

Some key elements of a boundary survey include:

1. Research: The surveyor begins by reviewing relevant documents such as deeds, title records, and previous surveys to gather information about the property’s history and legal boundaries.
   
2. Fieldwork: The surveyor then visits the property to collect field measurements using specialized equipment like GPS, total stations, or levels. They locate and verify existing boundary markers (such as iron pins or concrete monuments) and identify any discrepancies between the physical markers and the legal description of the property.
   
3. Analysis: After collecting the necessary data, the surveyor analyzes the information, reconciles any discrepancies, and determines the accurate location of the property’s boundaries based on established survey principles and legal requirements.
   
4. Marking: Once the boundaries have been accurately determined, the surveyor marks the property corners and lines using durable materials like metal stakes, wooden posts, or concrete monuments, making them easily identifiable on the ground.
   
5. Documentation: Finally, the surveyor prepares a detailed survey map or plat that shows the property’s boundaries, dimensions, area, and any relevant features such as easements, encroachments, or rights-of-way. This document serves as a legal record of the boundary survey and can be used for various purposes, including land transactions, permitting, and zoning compliance.

How long does a boundary survey take?

The time required to complete a boundary survey can vary significantly depending on several factors, including: Property Size, Terrain and Accessibility, Complex, Availability of Record, and Local Regulations. Given these variables, a boundary survey can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months to complete. Smaller, simpler properties with clear records and accessible terrain may only take a few days, while larger, more complex properties with difficult terrain and limited records could take weeks or longer.

To get a better understanding of the expected timeframe for your specific boundary survey, it is recommended to consult with a professional land surveyor who can assess your property’s unique characteristics and provide a tailored estimate based on your project requirements.

Who pays for a boundary survey?

In most cases, the party who requests or requires a boundary survey is responsible for covering its cost. This could include:

1. Property Owners: If a property owner wants to establish or verify their property boundaries for personal reasons, such as planning for construction, landscaping, or fencing, they are typically responsible for the cost of the boundary survey.
   
2. Buyers: In some real estate transactions, buyers may request a boundary survey to ensure that the property’s legal boundaries match the physical boundaries and avoid any potential disputes or encroachments. In this case, the buyer usually covers the cost.
   
3. Sellers: Occasionally, sellers may choose to have a boundary survey conducted before listing their property for sale to provide accurate information to potential buyers and avoid potential issues during the transaction. In this situation, the seller is responsible for the cost of the survey.
   
4. Developers: Developers or builders who need a boundary survey for permitting, zoning compliance, or other project requirements will generally bear the cost of the survey.
   
5. Neighbors: In some cases, neighbors may agree to share the cost of a boundary survey if they both benefit from clarifying the property line, resolving disputes, or addressing encroachments.
   

It’s important to note that the responsibility for paying for a boundary survey can be negotiated between the involved parties, such as during a real estate transaction or a property dispute. In some situations, the parties may agree to split the cost or include it as part of the transaction terms. It’s always a good idea to discuss the cost and payment responsibilities upfront to avoid misunderstandings or disputes later on.

Are boundary surveys public record?

Boundary surveys themselves are generally not considered public records. However, the documents and records associated with boundary surveys, such as deeds, title documents, and recorded plats or maps, are often part of the public record and can be accessed through the appropriate local government office, such as the county recorder’s office or the registry of deeds.

In some jurisdictions, once a surveyor completes a boundary survey, they may be required to file a copy of the survey map or plat with the local government office, making it part of the public record. This practice can vary depending on local regulations and requirements.

It’s important to note that accessing public records may require you to pay a fee, fill out specific forms, or visit the relevant government office in person or online. The availability and accessibility of these records can vary by location, so it’s essential to research the specific rules and procedures for your area.

If you’re looking for information about a particular property’s boundaries or survey history, it’s a good idea to start by searching the public records available through the local government office responsible for maintaining land records. In some cases, you may need to consult with a professional land surveyor to interpret the information or conduct a new boundary survey if the existing records are incomplete or outdated.

Boundary survey services

In conclusion, boundary surveys are an essential aspect of property ownership, management, and development. They provide valuable information about the legal boundaries of a property, helping to prevent disputes, encroachments, and potential legal issues related to property rights and land use. As a property owner, buyer, or developer, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Roaring Fork Engineering is proud to offer boundary survey services, utilizing our team’s expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver precise, high-quality surveys tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our boundary survey services and how we can support your project goals, ensuring the successful management and development of your property.