Appraisal reports consist of four parts, including the Introduction, Factual Data, Analysis and Conclusions, and Addenda. The Introduction states the purpose and function of appraisal, identifies and describes the subject property, and states the value conclusion.
Although building structures is easier on flatter surfaces, there are times when you may not want flat land. If your goal is to create a natural water feature, land with natural depressions could work well.
So what exactly is am “ambiguous” property description? This is a legal description of a property that requires a professional surveyor to determine the specific measurements of the property boundary.
Before building on undeveloped land, bring in a survey crew to mark out the location(s) of the proposed structure(s). This ensures not only that you are building only on your property, but that all setbacks, easements, and other boundaries are correct.
Because the federal government requires those living in a flood plain to have flood insurance, it is a good idea to know where your property is. A flood elevation survey will let you know if you are in a 100-year flood plain, so you can take necessary action.
Modern surveying processes rely more on more on a Total Station, a combination of the Theodolite and an electronic meter for measuring distance. Despite the advances in technology, the goal is still the same - accurate measurement of the land.
The Domesday Book, which William the Conqueror wrote in 1086, is an early example of the history of land surveying. The book contained an impressive amount of information about the land for its time, but the quality of the land surveying was very poor and inaccurate.
There are several different factors that affect the cost of a survey. These include the shape and size of the property (rectangular parcels of land are cheaper to survey), the type of terrain, and the type of survey that’s required.
Did you know that certain trees have the ability to poison an entire pond or lake? If your development will feature a body of water, it's critical you learn more about the types and locations of the trees on your property.
It’s important to remember that land surveys are about more than just settling property disputes between neighbors. Our land surveys can also help determine where it’s safe to build new roads or buildings.
Did you know that a land survey is often the prerequisite for creating or updating area maps? The land survey must typically take into account all the features present in the land, not just the property lines.
Having a survey of your property on hand is a great way to help move a sale along. It provides accurate information for potential buyers and shows that you are honest in your dealings.
Did you know the US Department of Ag’s definition of a farm is any place of 10 or more acres that sold $50 or more of agricultural products during a census year, or one of fewer than 10 acres that sold $250 of product in a year?
Surveyors are truly academics at heart. Not only do they need to be very competent in algebra, calculus, geometry and trigonometry, they need to know a great deal about laws governing surveying, contract and real property as well.
One Leonard Digges of Kent, England, invented the prototype of the modern Theodolite tool used in surveying. His invention used a circle, and it measured horizontal angles. However, it did not fall into widespread use until his son published the description of it in 1571.
One type of land survey is the Extended Title Insurance Coverage Survey. This is made for the purpose of supplying a title company and lender with survey and location data necessary for issuing American Land Title Association or Extended Coverage. This is the highest level of a boundary survey.
An article in The American Surveyor observed that Teddy Roosevelt should be officially recognized as a surveyor. Why? From 1913 to 1914, he led an extensive scientific and mapmaking expedition in Brazil that traced the route of the newly discovered River of Doubt.
For new construction, particularly for commercial or industrial development, a land survey can determine if your plans will meet any setback requirements as established by state or local zoning laws.
Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte was very enthusiastic about accurate land surveying? He always ensured that he had very precise maps, which were obviously important to him when he was trying to conquer the world.
If you are remodeling your home, local codes may require knowing the setback requirements and meeting them. A survey will determine the location of the home as it relates to the existing property lines.
Land surveys and property records tell us much about earlier cultures. A handful of original "kudurrus," land contracts dating from roughly 1100-1500 BC, are the only surviving record of four centuries of Kassite rule in ancient Babylon.
Zoning laws can determine everything about a property from building size and location to how many structures or parking spaces are allowed on a property, even the architecture, materials and use.
Unless you're in a desert, you'll need to consider where you'll put drainage ditches on most properties. By completing a topographic survey, we can help you determine which parts of the property are best suited for this.
If your property is not fenced, or a tree line serves as the fence, a survey will determine what trees are on your property, especially important information if they are of commercial or agricultural importance.