Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions come up frequently, we answer them here. If your question is not answered, feel free to email us - we'll get back to you asap.

Why is it important to have my land surveyed?

Retaining a surveyor, or having a survey made, is a form of insurance, except unlike insurance it does not have to be paid each year. Knowing where one’s boundaries are and having them protected through verification by a professional and placed on public record is a safeguard against many future problems that could be very costly, time consuming, and frustrating.

Is a survey the same as a mortgage insurance or plot plan?

Surveys must not be confused with mortgage inspections or so called “plot plans”. The latter is merely the lending institution’s inspection that the building they are lending money on actually exists and is located on the correct lot and meets zoning requirements. While a sketch usually results from this inspection, it cannot be considered a survey as no deed research is undertaken, nor are abutting lands examined for continuity of description or property boundaries ex actly located, verified and measured by a licensed land surveyor.

If I do a title search on the property, do I need to have a survey also?

A title search is where an attorney renders an opinion to the lending institutions concerning the quality of the title to, or ownership of, the property. A title search examines all aspects of the title, including mortgage, liens, attachments and the like, but only for a limited time. In contrast, a surveyor will examine not only the property in question, but also its abutters, for such a period of time as is necessary to obtain the descriptive information from which to determine where the boundaries are.

When purchasing a home what do I need to know about sewage disposal?

  • It is important to know whether the sewage disposal system serving the property, is a municipal system or onsite septic system.
  • If the lot is part of a state approved subdivision, it is important to get the approval number. Lots created before 1967 will have no approval number as the state did not implement subdivision approval until July 1, 1967. This may affect the development potential of a lot, particularly regarding expansion or conversion.
  • The disposal system must have received both state approvals for construction and operation. The owner should provide a copy of the construction approval and approval for operations.
  • The number of bedrooms on the approval must match the number of bedrooms in the house. (No problem if there is less than what was approved.)
  • Where is the system located; in particular, where is the clean-out/septic tank located? What size is the tank?
  • How old is the system and when was the last time the tank was pumped?