When surveying property where does it start in street or on your property?

Where do you start to survey your land? Is it on your land or on the road?

When surveying property where does it start in street or on your property?
What is a survey stake?


When land is surveyed, metal stakes, also known as “irons” or “monuments”, marks the corners of the lot. These markers are typically a hollow, metal pipe, approximately 1/2 inch in diameter and 1.5 feet long. Newer stakes may have plastic caps on top or have the tip painted with a bright color.





Where are they located?


When survey stakes are originally set, they are placed level to the ground at the corners of the original lot boundaries. After many years, the stakes may become buried due to landscaping and grade changes. Most are buried a few inches deep; some may be as deep as a foot. Renting a metal detector can be helpful in locating the stakes.





What if I cannot find my survey stake?


It may have been removed or relocated by previous owners. The stake may also be buried beneath retaining walls, paved driveways, hedges, etc.





Does finding my survey stake guarantee the location of my property line?


Possibly. Only a licensed land surveyor can determine your actual property line. Sometimes, survey stakes have been moved or removed. It is also possible that the original lot has been subdivided and new survey stakes have been inserted in addition to the older, original stakes.





When would I need a survey?


You may need a survey for new home construction, building additions, garages and other major projects. The Building Inspections Office or the Planning Department, depending on the type of project, would make that decision. Home improvement contractors typically expect the homeowner to assume the responsibility for locating the lot lines. You may also need a survey to provide legal evidence if you are involved in a lot line dispute. A survey is the only document that can accurately show your property boundaries.





How do I get my lot surveyed?


A typical residential lot survey costs approximately $700 to $900. It can be more if your land is irregular in shape or has other unusual features. Surveying is a competitive business and you should obtain estimates from several sources. Surveyors are licensed by the state. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Surveyors-Land.” While it may seem expensive to hire a surveyor, it may be cheaper than relocating improvements or legal costs caused by encroaching on someone else's property. That is a decision for you to make.
Reply:I just recently had my home surveyed for an addition and the lot markers or pins were located in my lot, not at the road. The reason for that is that the municipality that you live in has an easement or right to access and modify the property within certain areas, such as a drainage ditch or telephone poles that need to be maintained.





It will most likely vary by county so I would check with your local building department and make sure that you have a copy of your survey in hand.