5 Most Common Myths & Misconceptions About Land Surveying

When it comes to buying land, or having work carried out on a property, there are a few reasons why it is important to use land survey servicesIn recent years, there have been urban myths going around about land surveysthis has led to instances where people have gotten into trouble for their building projectsLet’s have a look at the five common misconceptionsput the record straight when it comes to why it’s highly encouraged for you to engage the services of a land surveyor in Melbourne.

The Existing wall Boundary/Fence is the Property Line.

If the fence was there when you moved in, it does not mean that this is the property lineEven if the wall or fence is well over fifty to hundred years old, what is important to remember is that records of propertyland were not as accurate then as they are todayWith changes in neighboursownership, it is more likely that fences put up even decades ago could be encroaching on your neighbours’ land.

What is needed is a plan showing the exact areas of the boundaries to ensure they match what is on the title deed of the propertyIf the fences are not in the right place, then a land survey will show exactly how far out they areif the land is as the title deed describes it.

The Original Survey Stakes are There so no Need for Another Survey.

This just informs you that there was a survey carried out but again, it does not mean that what you think is your boundary is actually the right property lineWhat you may have found may not be a surveying monument but could be something used by a previous occupantmore importantly, will not hold up in courtGetting a licensed practitioner out to carry out a proper survey will provide you with that accurate information as well as peace of mind.

The Neighbours Have got Their Fence in Place so it Must be Accurate.

Unfortunately, you cannot always rely on the current physical boundaries in place to be accurate when it comes to surveying landKeeping on good terms with your neighbours is important but you could be unwittingly encroaching on their land, or they could be doing the same with yoursThere could also be an easement on the title deed that you are not aware of until you get this checked out by land survey services.

An easement means that others are allowed right of way onto your property for a particular reasonIf a neighbour has put a fence up to give them some privacy but there is an easement on it, both of you need to be awareNothing is allowed to be built over an easement.

Land Surveys are Subject to Standard Costs Based on Size of Land.

This is another urban myth which contradicts the complexity of the work carried out by the land surveyor in MelbourneThey will explain how they price surveys depending on the complexity of the work undertakenNot only do they have to surveycheck for the presence of buildingsfences, along with the topography of the landground level visibility, but several other searches take place as wellThey will check for any records which show the date the land was partitioned offany previous surveys along with the quality of existing records.

Checks will also be made to see if any restrictive covenants are on the title deedThis is a written agreement which specifies how the land can be used along with any limitationsFor example, heritage plots will very likely have restrictions placed on them around type of build or renovations,any restrictions around native vegetationtree preservation orders.

Land Surveys are Expensive so I Will use an old Survey Report.

Even if you do manage to track down an old map that would have been created for taxation purposes, there is no guarantee it is an accurate oneIt may also not be suitable if it does not give you the correct information regarding a boundary dispute or help in identifying where the actual boundary lines are on the groundWith the technology available today, surveyors can give an accurate survey of the land you own along with clearly identifying property linesany legal restrictions that could be placed on your build.

In terms of cost, surveys are not expensive if you think about what can go wrong if you don’t have one doneYou could go aheadbuild or renovate, only to have a neighbour’s survey show you have encroached on their land, or you have built over an easementYou will then end up wasting thousands of dollars only to have to remove the structure you have built.

Are you ready to move your development forwardstart your dream renovation? For a smoothsuccessful project, make sure you approach the professionals in your local area.