If you’re considering buying, building, selling, or adding to your property, hiring a surveyor to complete a land review is a good idea. This survey will give you legal support if questions arise about property corners and boundaries during or after the building or buying process.
During the buying and selling process, closing costs typically include land surveying. The party responsible for paying differs from state to state, so it’s important to check your local legislation. However, in most cases, the buyer pays for the service, or the responsibility is negotiable. Verify your state’s protocol information with your local title insurance company.
The validity of the survey depends on the duration of the surveyor's liability. During that time, the professional will defend the document against challenges. This period of time varies from state to state, but it typically lasts between five and 10 years after the completion of the survey.
A residential survey typically includes mapped property lines, mapped easements or service entrances that cross the land plot, and marked areas where other properties infringe on the boundary. Your surveyor may also outline improvements to the plot and topographical features.