Survey FAQ's: Everything You Need to Know

We've compiled a list of the most common questions customers ask us about surveys. If these FAQ's don't answer your question, please contact our surveyors and we will be happy to help.

When is a survey necessary?

Before land is conveyed, it is important to establish the correct property lines and acreage regardless of the intended use of the property. Land is becoming increasingly scarce and cannot be manufactured. The price of land is escalating rapidly, and a small error in acreage could represent a large amount of money.

Before land is subdivided, most Tennessee counties and towns require a subdivision plat to be recorded that conforms to State and Local Standards.

Before making improvements, it is necessary to know correct property lines to avoid encroachment on adjoining property and possible litigation.

Before land is divided by Will, a survey will insure that the intent of the Will is fulfilled.

When your attorney, architect, engineer, land surveyor, title company, or real estate agent advises it.

Before money lending agencies will lend money on land, most will require a mortgage loan survey.

What type of survey do I need?

If a surveyor knows the purpose of the survey, he can recommend the type of survey you need. The most common types are Boundary Surveys, Subdivision Plats, and Topography Surveys; however, there are other types not listed here, so it's important for you to indicate the exact purpose of the survey.

What is a Boundary Survey?

A boundary survey is a survey made for the purpose of establishing on the ground the property lines called for in a document of title and/or to determine the acreage and description of the property which will be included in a document of title. All corners are verified or reset with permanent markers.

What is a Subdivision Plat?

A boundary survey as described above with the tract divided into smaller tracts. This must be done to comply with all regulations imposed by planning commissions, zoning boards, etc.

What is a Topographic Survey?

A survey locating all surface features, natural or man made, such as fences, buildings, utilities, and elevation of the ground.

How do I select a surveyor?

Only Registered Land Surveyors licensed by the State of Tennessee are legally permitted to Survey in Tennessee. Qualifications and standards are established by law, and all Registered Surveyors must abide by them and possess evidence of their current license to practice land surveying. Most surveyors in private practice are listed in the yellow pages of your telephone directory.

What does the surveyor need from me?

To complete the survey accurately, the surveyor should be furnished any and all deeds, plats, title work, and any other information that the owner might have. Usually, it is necessary for the surveyor to visit the courthouse to examine the deeds of the adjoining owners. The information needed from you should be transmitted by letter since it gives the surveyor the authorization to proceed with the survey.

How much will my survey cost?

The survey cost depends on many factors. These may include time to obtain title evidence, to re-establish the original boundaries, to conduct the field survey, to make office computations, to prepare drawings, to mark lines, and to set corners. Factors that tend to increase the survey costs are missing property corners, disputed lines, rough terrain, heavy underbrush, poor descriptions in the old deeds, and travel time to the job site. Because of these varying conditions, it is difficult to predict an exact cost. However, based on experience, a surveyor can furnish an approximate cost.

Need more information?
Contact our experienced team of surveyors