Property Boundary Surveys

What is a Property Boundary Survey?

A property boundary survey is a process that determines the precise location of the boundaries of a piece of real estate.  It involves the use of specialised equipment and techniques to measure and mark the boundaries of the property, as well as the identification and analysis of any physical or legal features that may affect the property.

Having a clear and accurate representation of the boundaries of a piece of property is important for a variety of reasons, including determining the size and dimensions of the property, identifying any encroachments or disputes with neighbouring properties and establishing the ownership and rights of the property.

Property boundary surveys are typically carried out by professional surveyors, who are trained and licensed in the use of specialised equipment and techniques for measuring and mapping land.  The surveyor will typically begin by reviewing any existing records or documents related to the property, such as deeds, certificates of titles and deposited plans.  This will help to establish the starting point for the survey and provide a baseline for the measurements.

After reviewing the existing records, the surveyor will use a variety of tools and techniques to measure and mark the boundaries of the property.  These may include surveying instruments like total stations, GPS receivers and lasers, as well as traditional techniques like measuring tape and markers.  The surveyor will also typically identify any physical features on the property such as fences, trees, or structures that may affect the boundaries.

Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will prepare a survey report that includes a detailed map of the property as well as any notes or observations made during the survey.

Overall, property boundary surveys are an important tool for establishing the precise location and dimensions of a piece of real estate.  They provide a clear and accurate representation of the property boundaries and are essential for a variety of legal, financial and practical purposes.

Why Use a Qualified Professional?

There are several reasons why it is important to use a qualified surveyor to conduct a boundary survey.

Firstly, a qualified surveyor has the necessary training, knowledge and experience to accurately measure and mark the boundaries of a piece of property.  Surveyors undergo extensive education and training in the use of specialised equipment and techniques and are licenced by the State in which they practice.  This ensures that they have the necessary skills and expertise.

In addition, a qualified surveyor will have a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations that may affect the property.  This includes knowledge of any zoning, building codes or other legal requirements that may impact the use or development of the property.  By working with a qualified surveyor you can be confident that the survey will be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Finally, using a qualified surveyor can help to ensure that the boundary survey process is carried out in a professional and unbiased manner.  Surveyors are required to adhere to strict ethical standards, and are expected to remain neutral and objective in the conduct of their work.  By working with a qualified surveyor, you can be confident that the survey will be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner.

Be wary of old surveys

You should be wary or relying on old surveys when determining the boundaries of a piece of property as an old survey may no longer accurately reflect the current state of the property.  Surveys are typically based on the physical features of a property, such as fence, trees and structures.  These features can change over time as they may be removed, replaced or altered in some way.

Land use and development patterns can also change over time, and an old survey may not take these changes into account.  For example, an old survey may not show any structures or improvements that have been built since the survey was conducted or may not accurately reflect the current zoning or use of the property.

In addition, old surveys may also be based on outdated measurement techniques or equipment, which may not be as accurate as modern methods.  This could lead to errors or inaccuracies in the survey, which could have significant implications for the property.

Old surveys may not be properly filed or recorded, which can make them difficult to locate or verify.  This can create uncertainty and potential disputes over the boundaries of the property.

In summary, it is important to be wary of relying on old surveys when determining the boundaries of a piece of property as they may no longer accurately reflect the current state of the property, may not take into account changes in land use or development patterns, may be based on outdated measurement techniques, and may be difficult to locate or verify.  It is generally recommended to conduct a new boundary survey whenever there is any doubt about the accuracy or reliability of an old survey.

Physically marking the boundaries

Physically marking the boundaries of a piece of property during a boundary survey serves several important purposes.

Firstly, it allows the surveyor to clearly and accurately identify the location of the boundaries on the ground.  This is particularly important when the boundaries are not readily apparent or when there are any disputes or ambiguities about the location of the boundaries. 

By physically marking the boundaries, the surveyor can provide a clear and unambiguous representation of the location of the property lines.  This also provides tangible evidence of the location of the property lines, which can be used to resolve any disputes or challenges to ownership and prevent misunderstandings or disputes with neighbours.

Finally, physically marking the boundaries can be useful for a variety of practical purposes, such as identifying the location of utilities or other infrastructure, or for planning and designing of construction projects on the property.

Overall, physically marking the boundaries during a boundary survey is an important step in accurately and clearly identifying the location of the property lines and serves a variety of practical and legal purposes.

Obtaining a signed survey report

A signed survey report is a document prepared by a professional surveyor that provides a detailed description and representation of the boundaries of a piece of property.  The survey report typically includes a map of the property as well as any notes or observations made by the surveyor during the survey process.

A signed survey report is useful for a variety of purposes including:

1.    Resolving boundary disputes:  a signed survey report can be used to clearly and accurately define the boundaries of a property, and can be used to resolve any disputes or ambiguities about the location of the property lines. 

2.    Determining the size and dimensions of a property:  the map included in the survey report can be used to determine the size and dimensions of the property, which may be useful for calculating property taxes, determining the value of the property or planning construction projects. 

3.    Establishing ownership and rights to a property:  a signed survey report can be used as a legal evidence of ownership and rights to a piece of property and can be used to establish the boundaries of the property for legal purposes. 

4.    Planning construction projects:  the map included in the survey report can be used to plan and design construction projects on the property as it provides a clear and accurate representation of the boundaries and physical features of the property.

In summary, a signed survey report is an important document that provides a clear and accurate representation of the boundaries of a piece of property and is useful for a variety of legal, financial and practical purposes.

Discussions with your neighbour

It is generally a good idea to discuss your property boundary with your neighbour, especially if you are planning any construction projects or other activities that may affect the boundary.  Discussing the boundary with your neighbour can help to avoid misunderstandings or disputes and can help ensure that any planned activities are conducted in a respectful and considerate manner.

Here are a few tips for discussing your property boundary with your neighbour:

1.    Communicate clearly and openly:  be clear and open in your communication with your neighbour and make sure to listen to their concerns and perspectives. 

2.    Be respectful:  treat your neighbour with respect and consider their feelings and concerns. 

3.    Seek resolution:  try to find a resolution that works for both parties and be willing to compromise if necessary. 

4.    Consider seeking professional help:  if you are unable to reach a resolution with your neighbour, you may want to consider seeking the help of a mediator or professional dispute resolution service.

Overall it is important to be open and respectful when discussing your property boundary with your neighbour and to try to find a resolution that works for both parties.  By taking a proactive and co-operative approach, you can help to avoid misunderstandings and disputes and can maintain a positive relationship with your neighbour.