We will start the work on your survey before you even see us at your site. First, we must conduct the necessary research to determine information about your parcel and the adjoiners’ parcels to verify that there are no overlaps or gaps in the properties. We obtain the deeds of your parcel as well as the surrounding parcels, perhaps obtaining a filed map if any of the lots were part of a subdivision. Next these deeds are plotted on paper to to see how the deeds fit together. This step allows us to set up for the field work.
Next, an experienced field crew under the supervision of our licensed surveyor will conduct the field survey. The crew looks for physical features that denote property divisions such as hedge rows, fences, etc. At the physical signs of property lines, they will look for property corners such as iron pins with caps, iron pipes or monuments that may have been called out in the deed or on a map obtained during the research part of the operation. Many times, more than one trip will be required because the data gathered will need to be plotted with the deed information and analyzed. The crew may need to return to find additional evidence of the property lines. This is especially true of older lots that have not been surveyed in a very long time.
The final step is to draw a plan to show all the physical feature visible on the property as well as the property lines, any encroachments, either onto the property or from the property such as a shed or fence or driveway.
When you call us, it will expedite the process to have the information on your property ready, including any previous surveys, the lot and block and municipality name and physical address, which can be different than a mailing address.
We will need to know the purpose for the survey before any work is begun.
If you want special features shown on the final map, you need to discuss this with us.
If you are in a dispute with a neighbor over the location of a property line, not our favorite type of work, know that we will need to take time to talk with the neighbor to explain what is being done as part of the survey. In New Jersey, surveyors do not have a “right of entry” except when several attempts have been made to contact the owner, the police have been notified and the property is not signed with no trespassing and has no obstacles greater than 6’ blocking entry.