FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much will my boundary survey cost?

Just like no two real estate transactions are alike, no two surveys are alike. Costs are dependent on factors such as size of tract, terrain, foilage, existing survey monuments on your tract or adjacent tracts in addition to schedule. A great portion of our work involves activities that the client never sees.

Why are you starting the survey a half mile down the road? That is no where near my land.

Most tracts of land are required to have a starting point at a section corner or other known point of reference. Think of drawing a square on a blank sheet of paper and then describing where the square is on the paper. Common starting points help surveyors match closely with adjacent properties. This required step can add many hours to a survey project.

Why am I getting quotes for my survey that vary so much?

Each company has cost unique to them. Survey costs on the same or similar tracts can and do vary widely. Most survey companies use expensive equipment with constant upgrade and maintenance costs which means a higher overhead rate. Price also depends on the availability of qualified staff.

The county told me my deed was “red stamped” and I need a new survey to sell my property. I paid for a survey when I purchased my property. Why do I need a survey now?

Red stamping means that the current legal description is not adequate per the county’s conveyance standards. There could be many reasons for the deficiency in your legal description. When you purchased your property you may have paid for a Mortgage Location Survey that was required by the lender. These do not establish boundary lines or alter legal descriptions and do not meet Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4733-37.

Where can I find an aerial picture of my property?

Most County Auditors maintain a county GIS system that shows tracts of land and other data about the parcels. The lines shown are typically NOT surveyed lines so use great caution using this information in trying to determine actual property lines. Lines shown on GIS systems are primarily for taxing purposes.

Where can I find a copy of my deed?

Your county recorder maintains deed records. You can research your deed on their website. Most allow you to print your deed.

My neighbor has built a fence on my property. What should I do about it?

This is a legal question. Please consult your attorney.

How do I pay for my survey project?

For some projects we take a partial payment before the project starts and bill the reminder upon completion. We send an invoice via email that can be paid by check, cash or credit card.