A land survey might be needed on your property to find the actual boundaries between you and your neighbour, so you know if a planned fence or outbuilding will encroach on their property; you might also want a survey done to determine if you are overpaying your property taxes. Whatever your reasons for needing a land survey, note a few commonly asked questions about this service and then discuss your options with a surveyor if you need more information.

Can a surveyor tell me what I actually own?

A surveyor can mark off the boundaries for a property, but it's actually up to you to tell them what part of the land you own. This would be according to your property's title and legal description of land; that paperwork will give exact details of where your property and boundary lines are located, and a surveyor can create a map or other report that shows the location of those boundaries.

If you don't have your title or deed or other legal paperwork for your property, you need to obtain these from the public records office of your city, county, or other municipality. A real estate attorney can usually assist you with this, if necessary, but the surveyor doesn't provide these for you.

Why did the surveyor ask that I remove some vegetation on the property?

Surveyors need a clear sightline to determine where certain boundaries are located; most landscaping features, small trees, mature trees, and other vegetation remain undisturbed, but some low-hanging tree branches, tall shrubbery, and other such items may get in the way of their equipment and sightline. Surveyors try to keep this type of disturbance to a minimum and will do what they can to work around such pieces, but note that some items may simply need to be trimmed, removed, or relocated for them to get a clear view of those boundaries.

Should all items be removed from a property then, before the surveyor arrives?

While a surveyor may need a clear view of certain areas, as mentioned above, some landmarks and natural features actually help them to determine boundaries. Rocks, monuments, fencing, and other such items may serve as landmarks for a surveyor, assisting them with keeping their calculations accurate. So, while a surveyor may need certain items trimmed back or moved outright, it's best to not remove or relocate anything until you get clear direction from him or her as to what should stay and what needs removal.

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