Frequently Asked Questions
Q: HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
A: See the chart below.
Depending on the complexity of the property, multiple steps may be required before the actual fieldwork can even begin. Some steps are not necessary for all surveys, but some surveys require additional steps. This is a generalization of the workflow a licensed land surveyor completes for a boundary survey. The timeline to complete the survey depends on seasonality, demands, and other factors.
Q: HOW MUCH WILL A SURVEY COST?
A: Surveyor's fees, like those of other professionals, are dependent on the type of service required, which in turn determines the level of effort and the number of personnel and type of equipment necessary. The following factors help determine the final cost of a survey:
Information available
Research required
Clarity (or vagueness) of the legal description
Amount of land involved
Number of property corners
Improvements such as houses, buildings, fences, etc.
Terrain
Vegetation
Accessibility
Boundary disputes
Personnel & equipment required
Surveyor's familiarity with the area
These variables make it difficult to determine exact fees, but based on general experience in the area and the type of work required, the Surveyor can usually furnish an estimate of the costs.
Q: WILL A SURVEYOR TELL ME WHAT I OWN?
A: No. You are responsible for furnishing the Surveyor with a legal description, current title report, or policy concerning the parcel you want to be surveyed. The Surveyor will then locate the property on the ground, marking the corners with physical monuments, and provide you with a copy of the survey map showing the results of the survey. The Surveyor will also disclose the areas that are in conflict so that the title company and/or attorney can resolve any problem.
Q: WILL I BE SHOWN ANY ENCROACHMENTS ON THE PROPERTY?
A: Yes, if you request the Surveyor to show encroachments in the area of concern to you.
Q: WILL I BE SHOWN IF THERE ARE ANY EASEMENTS ON MY PROPERTY?
A: Yes, if you request the Surveyor to do so, and provide a current title report or title policy to use for this purpose. The Surveyor can supply a map, plat, or exhibit showing this information if you want or need it
Q: HOW WILL I BE SHOWN WHAT HAS BEEN SURVEYED?
A: Corner monuments will be set where possible following state law. The corners on the parcel can be pointed out to you if requested.
Q: SHOULD I EXPLAIN WHY I WANT A SURVEY MADE?
A: Yes. If the Surveyor knows why you want a survey, the Surveyor can recommend the type of survey you need, and how much detail should be shown on the map, plat, or exhibit, thus saving costs.
Q: WHY ARE THERE CONFLICTING BOUNDARY AND EASEMENT LINES?
A: It is often true that boundary/easement line disputes, gaps, and overlaps result from property descriptions that were originally written and recorded without the benefit of the services of a competent Surveyor. It is important to have these lines properly described and surveyed, if necessary when property or easement lines are created or changed. Any newly created or adjusted boundary lines require processing through the local governmental agency as required by Georgia state law and local ordinance.