“Why are you on my property? What does the survey blocks down the street have to do with my property?”
FAQs
What does a survey way down there have to do with my property?
Surveyors need to locate property corners in order to establish the boundary lines of the subject parcel. However, properties conveyed by deeds and subdivisions laid out from the 1900’s to 1960’s, rarely contain durable monumentation for surveyors of today to utilize in boundary establishment. The early surveyors would set 2”x2” redwood hubs in the ground at the property corners to delineate the property boundaries. Unfortunately, many of these old hubs no longer exist due to improper care of preserving these locations. In many instances, fences were erected and the land was possessed in relations to these old hubs. Some properties have a “Record of Survey” where surveyors set durable monuments such as iron pipes or rebars. In many cases, these are the only evidence surveyors of today have to utilize in order to establish property boundaries. In many instances, these durable monuments can be several properties down the street from the subject parcel. A surveyor is on your property to recover an existing boundary corner so they may utilize the position of that corner in establish their clients property boundary.
How much does a survey cost?
It all depends… If we have to prepare a Record of Survey, the costs are typically from $7.5k - $10k. This is due to the immense amount of research and field work that is required by California Law. If the property is located in a recently recorded subdivision (I would say the 1960’s and up) then it is likely we can establish the property boundary from centerline monuments located in the street. This cost is typically around $2k to $3.5k.
How long does a Record of Survey take?
The process from start to finish usually takes about 2-4 months. This is due to the mapping process. We have to send the survey in to the County and wait about a month for comments back before we can file the Record of Survey.
Are surveyors allowed to be on my property?
Yes. Surveyors are allowed to be on your property so long as they are conducting a survey. They do not need prior notice, but common courtesy is for the surveyor to knock on your door to let you know they need to access the rear of your property to recover a boundary marker.
Please read below in regards to surveyors on your property.
