The Purpose of Boundary Surveys and When They Impact Property Value

Before any project can begin, it’s crucial to have a solid, reliable understanding of the land parcel’s physical and legal boundaries. The main purpose of boundary surveys is to develop, find, verify and mark the actual property lines. This helps solidify plans for moving forward, and it is one of the most vital aspects of survey work.

In fact, projects can be stalled if this important survey document is missing.

In this article, we’ll go more in depth about the purpose of boundary surveys and when they can impact the value of your property.

For more than 45 years, Ballentine Associates has led the way with engineering and surveying excellence, helping the vision of developers and builders come to life. Our dedication to our founding principles of integrity, high ethics and stellar customer service has resulted in many loyal clients. We’d love to learn more about your project.

What’s the Purpose of a Boundary Survey?

Is there a conflict between what someone says is a property boundary and what is described in deeds? Are there boundary encroachments, gaps, overlaps? Is the goal for the land need to be subdivided?

The purpose of a boundary survey is to address these and other questions so that you can confidently move forward with your project. The survey goes beyond what is merely described in a deed pr shown on a plat; the boundary survey provides confirmation of the physical location of the recorded legal boundaries. 

While a surveyor’s boundary survey is not a legal determination, it is the result of extensive research and professional investigation.

But the job does not stop there.

Not only do surveyors research the property in question, but they also examine adjoining parcels. This helps them check for any encroachments or conflicting information. Surveys must be clear, factual and thorough.

Are Boundary Surveys Legally Required?

They are not always legally required for standard resales. Requirements come from lenders and title insurers.

However, when subdividing property or embarking on a large development project, boundary surveys are legally required in North Carolina. 

Boundary surveys are required:

• When subdividing property
• When seeking a zoning permit (as required by local ordinances)
• When there are lender mandates
• When resolving boundary disputes

When Should You Get a Boundary Survey?

There are several situations in which you should get a boundary survey. These include:

• Before buying a property
• Before building an addition such as a garage or a pool near a property line
• Before subdividing
• Before combining lots
• Before applying for a variance/zoning change
• When there is a dispute over the property lines
• When the existing survey is old
• When the existing survey can’t be located
• When a lender or title company requests one as a closing condition

Remember: A boundary survey is not a legal document, nor is it a court ruling. It is the professional assessment and opinion of a licensed land surveyor. Therefore, it is critical to get your survey done early in order to avoid potential conflicts later. 

How Does a Boundary Survey Impact a Property’s Value?

One of the main purposes of a boundary survey is to remove uncertainty so you can move forward with clear direction and focus. Therefore, buyers and appraisers may be more confident when paying for a property that has been professionally surveyed. 

This property is also more attractive to buyers (and lenders) when they are protected against potential boundary-related claims. 

Perhaps most importantly, it prevents costly surprises. Legal disputes and undiscovered encroachments can cause a reduction in value.

You Can Trust Ballentine Associates for Accurate, Timely and Professional Boundary Surveys

Before you can begin a project, you need to know the parameters with which you’re working, and that is the key purpose of boundary surveys. At Ballentine Associates, our due diligence and survey work will ensure there are no surprises that can cause costly delays for your project.

We want to be much more than a mere vendor. We want to be your partner in your venture. We treat your project’s success as if it were our own. 

We’re very interested in learning about your project and how we can help your vision come to fruition.