FAQ

Why do I need a survey?

The purchase of land and especially a home is often the single most financially important and expensive decision a person will make during their lifetime.  One of the questions you need to ask yourself is do you really want to trust that what you are legally obtaining ownership to is what the seller’s or real estate agent’s opinion of where the property is located or would you prefer to have the opinion of a land surveyor who is licensed by the State to determine the location of boundary lines. Do you really want to find out after you have purchased the property that there are encroachments?  Or where you wanted to build a swimming pool is directly over an easement?

Why can’t I just use the old

survey provided by the seller?

You can, in many cases, use a previous survey however the title insurance company will take an exception in its coverage to “Any encroachment, encumbrance, violation, variation, or adverse circumstance affecting the title that would be disclosed by an accurate and complete survey of the land.” If the old survey provided was completed a year or several years previously then it will not reflect any infringments (encroachments, easements or other matters of record) on the property that may have occured since.  The old survey may not accurately depict the current location of FEMA defined Special Flood Hazard Areas.  The old survey may limit liability to the commitment the survey was prepared for.  Whether you want to risk the liability is a decision you will have to make.  Is the potential liability worth the cost of not having a new survey conducted?

What is the cost of a survey?

The cost of a survey depends on many factors, such as: • The type of survey:  ALTA, Title, Boundary and/or Topographic. • The type equipment that will be required such as GPS or conventional. • The amount of deed research and field time needed to verify no overlaps or gores with adjoining properties. • The number and type of structures on the property. • The area to be surveyed. • The terrain and density of trees on the property. • The number of unknown or missing corners that might have to be set. • The number of easements that must be located. The aforementioned factors and others will determine the cost.  However if you can provide the type of survey required and the location of the property Delta Land Surveying will provide you with an estimated cost and approximate turn- around time.