In What Circumstances Would a Property Owner Need a Title Re-Establishment Survey?

Posted on: 10 January 2018

A title re-establishment survey is done to define the exact location of legal boundaries to a piece of land. The survey reinforces a boundary's location and takes into consideration all critical survey information including other surveys registered near the property in question, building corners, fences and other structures. The following are circumstances when a title re-establishment survey may be needed.

Installing fences

Accurate information on boundaries is essential when installing fences that mark property boundaries. Installing fences without proper survey information, even when survey pins are present, can lead to complications such as costly lawsuits. A re-establishment survey ensures that property owners and their neighbours are on the same page about the boundary and saves them time, energy and money.

Constructing or extending a building near a title boundary

Before constructing a new structure or extending an existing one, reassessing the boundaries is essential. Some people make blind extensions to their property, only to find out that they are encroaching on a neighbour's land. Bringing down construction which has already been set up is a loss, and the process could even compromise the structural integrity of the rest of the building.

Resolving boundary disputes between neighbours

Disputes between neighbours over property are quite common. It is always wise to have a title re-establishment survey done before the matter escalates and becomes a legal tussle. Getting the facts right on who is encroaching on the other's property is a process that needs patience and the expert opinion of a land surveyor. After the survey, a physical boundary is installed on the property, and the party that has encroached on the other's side has to remove the structure.

Locating easements shown on the property title

Easements are usually granted to utility companies to install structures such as power lines or cable lines through private property. It is also common for neighbours to be given an easement to access a road through another person's property. When the property changes ownership, the easements remain and the rights are transferred to the new neighbour. Issues arise when property changes ownership and new owners have to re-establish these easements.

The easiest way to avoid problems with property boundaries is investing in a title re-establishment survey. Consulting competent land surveyors for the process is also necessary when you are doing property valuation. Dealing with construction or the sale of a property becomes easy when all boundaries are adequately established.

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