Q: Why do I need a survey?
A: If you’re a landowner or a potential buyer there are many reasons you may need a survey:
- Lending institutions will almost always require a borrower to have a survey performed. This is to assure them the property and improvements, fall within the legal description shown in the deed.
- Disputes or confusion on the location of the boundary line between your property and your neighbor.
- Fencing or construction of other improvements
- Planning and design surveys for future development of the property.
- A survey will uncover and disclose potential problems so that you can make an informed and wise decision. The cost of a survey is a mere pittance compared to the costs to correct the possible myriad of problems that may exist.
Q: What do I need to furnish my surveyor?
A: These items:
- Client and contact information
- Legal description for property
- Title commitment policy (if available)
- Any easements or encumbrance information you require on the survey not shown in the record plat.
- Previous surveys
- Plan sets and cadd drawings for new construction stakeout
- Desired delivery date.
Q: When will my survey be completed?
A: We will make every effort to deliver your survey on or before the requested date. Our use of GPS technology and robotic total stations combined with state of the art cadd mapping software allow us to complete most projects ahead of schedule. Our employee’s are dedicated to meeting the client deadline and we have the resource’s to allocate additional manpower if necessary. If we cannot meet the requested deadline our client will be notified in advance. We understand the importance of communication and are always available to discuss your needs.
Q: How much does a survey cost?
A: Survey fees vary depending on the scope of the work being performed, the size and location of the site, and what previous history we have in the area. Generalized quotes are avoided, however we will be glad to review and estimate our fee at no cost to you.
Q: Why can’t surveyors agree on boundary lines?
A: There are cases where Surveyor’s use different control to establish corners, however most boundary line problem’s are due to deed or legal description problems. Many legal descriptions were prepared without the benefit of a proper survey, and relied on government land survey sections to be square miles. This creates overlaps or gaps in deed lines if two adjacent parcels have a different point of beginning.
Q: What if my survey doesn’t agree with my neighbors?
A: The Surveyor’s duties are to layout the deed lines and document any discrepancies. Junior and Senior rights, adverse possession, and acquiescence are just a few issues that can effect ownership. An attorney with experience in property rights and real estate law should be consulted for the protection of your property rights.
Q: Is a survey really necessary?
A: A survey is necessary to protect your property rights. A survey will insure that you acquire ownership for the land you are paying for. It will explicitly illustrate where your property begins and where it ends. It will also protect you from having anybody else infringe upon your property. Additionally, you will be protected in case there may be any violations of building restrictions (encroachments) on the subject property.
Q: What is an elevation certificate?
A: An Elevation Certificate, or FEMA Certificate, is a form developed and issued by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and completed by a Professional Surveyor and Mapper. This form identifies the flood and non-flood hazard areas in which a particular property is located. The form also indicates the elevation of the building. The Elevation Certificate is used by insurance agents for the purpose of quoting your property flood insurance rates.
Q: How do I know what type of survey I need?
A: Review our services page to see if a specific type of survey listed fits your needs. Please contact us to help analyze your final requirements.
Q: Are surveyors allowed to enter private property?
A: YES, according to FLORIDA STATUTE 472.029 which states "Surveyors and mappers or their subordinates may go on, over, and upon the lands of others when necessary to make surveys and maps or locate or set monuments, and, in so doing, may carry with them their agents and employees necessary for that purpose. Entry under the right granted by this subsection does not constitute trespass, and surveyors and mappers and their duly authorized agents or employees so entering are not liable to arrest or to a civil action by reason of such entry; however, this subsection does not give authority to registrants, subordinates, agents, or employees to destroy, injure, damage, or move any physical improvements on lands of another without the written permission of the landowner."
