Finding an existing land survey for your property is a common question, whether you’re buying or selling, planning renovations, resolving a boundary dispute, or simply curious about your land. Accurate property information is fundamental to countless decisions. Land surveying lays out exactly where your property begins and ends, marking key features and location details that serve as your land’s legal reference.
What Is a Land Survey?
Before you begin your search, it’s important to understand what surveying involves. Essentially, it’s the precise measurement and mapping of a piece of land. This service helps define property lines, highlight physical features, record easements, measure elevation, and more. Existing surveys can be useful, but they may be hard to find if not properly filed—or they could be outdated due to age, land changes, or newer technology.
Where to Begin Your Search for Existing Land Surveys
Title Companies
If your property was part of a recent purchase or sale, the title company involved in the transaction may have a copy of a survey. Title companies often commission or obtain surveys to ensure there are no undisclosed property line issues or encroachments before insuring the title.
Mortgage Lenders
When a property is purchased with a mortgage, the lender often requires a survey as part of the closing process. Your mortgage lender or the attorney who handled the closing might have a copy of the original survey on file.
Previous Property Owners
The previous owners of your property might have a copy of a survey from when they purchased the land or had work done. It’s always worth reaching out if you have their contact information.
The Original Surveying Firm
If you can find out who did the original survey on your property, they might still have a copy. That said, older surveys can be hard to track down or may not include enough detail. A good land surveyor OKC can help you work through it and find other ways to get the information you need.
When an Existing Survey May Not Be Enough
Even if you come across an old survey, it might not suit what you need now. There are a few situations where a fresh, current survey from a surveying company near me becomes necessary:
- Outdated Details: Things like property lines, easements, or local codes may have shifted over time. An older survey might miss those changes.
- Different Purpose: A survey commissioned for a specific purpose (e.g., placing a fence) might not be detailed enough for a different project (e.g., building an addition or a new structure).
- Boundary Disputes: If there’s any ambiguity or disagreement regarding property lines with a neighbor, a new, certified survey is typically required to resolve the dispute legally.
- New Construction or Additions: Building, adding to existing structures, or installing significant new features almost always requires a current survey to ensure compliance with zoning and building codes.
- Changes in Technology/Accuracy: Modern land surveying techniques utilize GPS, LiDAR, and other advanced tools that offer far greater precision than methods used decades ago. A new survey reflects the highest standards of accuracy.
Finding a Reliable Land Surveying Professional
When a current or complete survey isn’t available or you need an updated one, your next move should be to hire a qualified and reputable land surveyor OKC. It’s crucial to choose a professional who understands your unique requirements and knows the local area well. A trustworthy surveying company will be properly licensed, have a proven history of reliable work, and possess a strong understanding of local rules and land conditions. They should also communicate clearly—walking you through the process, pricing, and results in a way that’s easy to understand.
Your Partner for Accurate Land Information
Whether you’re trying to locate an existing survey or need a new one, Sisemore & Associates is here to help. As a top surveying company near me, our skilled team knows how to handle the details of property lines and land features. With the right tools and local knowledge, we provide precise, dependable survey data to meet your project’s needs.
Contact us today to discuss your surveying needs and begin your project with confidence.