SERVICES
Types of Surveys
MORTGAGE LOCATION SURVEYS
(Click to see examples - Example 1, Example 2)This type of survey is usually requested by title insurance companies. This survey meets the specific needs for title insurance. This type of survey will show basic information discovered from field measurements performed at a specific property. These surveys are very basic and are not intended to be a "Boundary Survey". They are primarily intended to insure the title company and financial lending institutions that the existing improvements are indeed on the property and are not located within existing easements or right-of-ways. It is highly recommended that you do not construct buildings, fences, landscaping, etc. from this type of survey.
LOT SPLITS / CONSOLIDATION SURVEYS
(Click here to see an example)This type of survey is needed if you are planning to subdivide your parcel of land into multiple parcels or if you own multiple parcels of land and would like them consolidated.
The method of subdividing or consolidating parcels of land depends upon the rules and regulations of the municipality in which your property is located.
The most common methods are the preparation of a "Record Plan" or "Plat of Survey" that should be recorded at the Recorders Office of your county.
LOT SURVEY / PLOT PLAN
(Click here to see an example)This type of survey and/or plot plan will be required by most municipalities in order to obtain a "Building Permit". If you are planning to construct or install the items listed below, or want to verify the location of any of these items constructed or installed by your neighbor:
- New home
- Addition to a home
- Garage
- Storage shed
- Driveway
- Deck
- Fence
- Invisible Fence
If you are planning to construct or install any of the following, a survey or plot plan will probably not be required, but it is highly recommended in order to insure your project is constructed or installed on your property and not within any existing easements or zoning setback requirements:
- Invisible fence
- Landscaping beds or trees
- Removal of landscaping beds or trees
- Well
- Septic system
- Sprinkler system
BOUNDARY SURVEYS
(Click here to see an example)This type of survey is for the purpose of locating, describing, setting monuments and mapping the exact boundaries and corners of a given parcel of land. This involves the research of publicly recorded documents, field measurements and computations with the findings shown on a "Plat of Survey" drawing that is given to the land owner. A legal description may also be required for the purpose of recording a new deed.
ALTA/ACSM SURVEYS
(Click to see examples - Sheet 1 of 2, Sheet 2 of 2)This type of survey is a boundary survey prepared to a set of minimum standards that have been jointly prepared and adopted by the ALTA/ACSM (American Land Title Association and American Congress on Surveying and Mapping). Additionally, an ALTA survey depicts improvements, easements, rights-of-way, and other elements impacting the ownership of the land. An ALTA survey is often prepared for commercial properties, as it will provide the title company with the information required to insure the title to the land and improvements to the high degree that a commercial development may require. In addition to the minimum standards set forth, a table of optional elements is included in the ALTA/ACSM standards. A careful review of the elements from the optional "Table A" is helpful in delineating a clear scope of the land surveyor services.
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS
(Click here to see an example)This type of survey consists of the location of natural and man-made features such as elevations, contours of land, streams, creeks, ponds, lakes, buildings, fences, public and private utilities, trees and vegetation, etc.
A combination of boundary and topographic surveying is used for the design and construction of buildings, parking lots, roads, subdivisions, utilities, etc.
FLOOD ELEVATION CERTIFICATES
(Click to see examples - Sheet 1 of 2, Sheet 2 of 2)
This type of service is usually required when property is being purchased or refinanced with structures that lie within a designated flood area near a stream or river. Most insurance companies or lending institutions will require a Flood Elevation Certificate to verify the need for Flood Insurance. The lowest opening of a structure is required to be above the 100-year flood elevation as determined from the FIRM (Federal Emergency Flood Insurance Rate Map) maps. The cost of the services is directly related to the proximity of FEMA Benchmarks.
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
- Construction layout & staking
- As-Builts
- Earthwork quantity determinations
- Grade staking
EASEMENT PREPARATION
This type of survey/service is needed if you are planning to grant your adjoining property owner, utility company, municipality, etc., an easement or right-of-way to access your property, install utilities, maintain structures, use water courses, etc. You could also be in need of an easement or right-of-way.
This survey/service can be accomplished by the preparation of an "Easement Description" and should be accompanied with an "Exhibit" for recording.
HAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL
We are certified by O.S.H.A. to access and perform surveying operations on hazardous waste sites such as landfills, super-fund sites, etc. We also perform environmental surveying such as horizontal and vertical locations of monitoring wells, pizzometers, soil borings, staff gauges, etc.