Property/House Surveys: When and When Not?

Question

I want to hear everyone's opinion here.  Under what circumstances do you guys order a survey of your property and when do you not?

Are there any low cost strategies that you use to minimize risk without ordering the survey?

JH Bridge · Answer

@Matt Vaughn

In CO there are "surveys" called ILC's (Improvement Location Certificate).  I quote surveys because it is not a signed, recorded document.  However, it is performed by a survey company & is exactly what you're looking for.  What it is is a crew will come out & locate your property pins, locate improvements on said property, produce a plot, & give it to you.  It will answer your fence question, any setback issues, etc...  It will NOT be a legal document as title work, easements, encumbrances, and the like have not been gone through by a licensed surveyor.  It may be different city to city, but here they run about $200-300, far less than a full blown survey.  You can think of it as a lot inspection. Much like a home inspection, they try to uncover defects, minimize potential risk & use the info to inform the buyer.  I'm sure VA has them as well.  Just look up a local surveying company & they should be able to get you going.

JH Bridge

@Sharad M. see above text about it being similar to an inspection.  Not saying you need one on every property, but if you ever run into something a little fishy, it might be worth the few hundred dollars to avoid boundary disputes down the line.

Sharad M. · Answer

Hi @Matt Vaughn

I have never ordered a survey before I bought a property in my area. I have ordered survey for other reasons. Putting up new fence, new front steps, running new main water line, etc., but never have had need to get a survey done before purchasing a property.

What are your main concerns about ordering a survey?

Sharad

Matt Vaughn · Answer

I'm buying a property that's already fenced, and it's in a relatively established neighborhood (.2 acre plots).  I'd prefer not to get a survey, but I didn't want to be cheap and leave myself exposed to risk out there.