You have an ALTA/NSPS survey for your property here in Fayetteville. This is a smart move. It is the most complete survey you can get. It shows everything from boundary lines as well as easements as well as utilities as well as improvements. But a survey is not something you can just set and forget. This is especially true in North Carolina. Our weather and soil can cause problems for surveys. You need to know how to protect your survey investment and keep it accurate for many years to come.
Extending the Life of Your Survey Markers in Fayetteville
Your ALTA/NSPS survey is more than just a piece of paper. It has physical markers on the ground that back it up. These markers are usually iron pins as well as pipes. Sometimes they are concrete monuments. Fayetteville Land Surveyors uses these markers to show your property corners as well as other important points. Protecting these markers is the first step to making your survey last a long time.
- Know where your markers are: This might seem clear, but many people do not know. You should get a copy of your survey plat. Then you can walk your property in Fayetteville. Locate every marker. Take pictures of them as well as note their condition. This is your starting point.
- Mark your markers clearly (but safely): You can put a bright plastic cap on top of an iron pin. You can also put a small, unique landscape stone or paver next to it. Do not put anything metal right next to an iron pin. Things like rebar or a fence post can cause problems with future measurements. Some people even use a T-post a foot or two away to make the markers very easy to see.
- Protect your markers from the weather: Our Fayetteville climate can be hard on outdoor items. We have hot, humid summers as well as wet periods. Markers can get buried by soil erosion. This is especially true with our common red clay soil. This soil can move if it is not managed. You should think about raising stakes a little. You can also use gravel around the base of markers to help with drainage. This is good for areas where water often collects. If you have wooden stakes for temporary markers, a protective coating or sealer can help them last longer.
- Tell your landscapers about the markers: Mowers as well as weed whackers as well as even eager gardeners can accidentally move or damage markers. Make sure anyone working on your Fayetteville property knows where these markers are. They also need to understand why they are important.
Regular Maintenance for Your Survey in Fayetteville: What You Need to Do
You should think of this like checking the oil in your car. A little regular attention helps a lot. You do not need to use surveying equipment. But a visual check a few times a year is a good idea for your Fayetteville property.
- Do seasonal checks: After heavy rains, you should walk around your property. This is especially important during our wettest months like August. You should also check after any big storms. Look for signs of erosion around your markers. In areas with sandy loam soils, which are common near the Cape Fear River basin, markers might move more easily with water flow.
- Clear vegetation around markers: Overgrown bushes as well as vines as well as even thick grass can hide markers. Keep the areas around them clear. This makes them easy to find. This also stops roots from possibly moving them over time.
- Document any changes: If you see a marker that is leaning, or partly buried, or looks like it has been moved, take a picture. Make a note of it. This documentation can be very helpful if you ever need Fayetteville Land Surveyors to come back out.
Warning Signs of Problems with Your Survey in Fayetteville
Sometimes, even if you try your best, things can go wrong. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of trouble. It can also help you avoid boundary disputes in Fayetteville.
- Missing or moved markers: This is the biggest problem. If a pin is gone, or bent, or clearly moved, that is an issue. Moving survey markers is actually against the law. It can lead to legal problems.
- Problems with neighbors: If your neighbor starts building a fence that looks like it is on your side of the line, or there is a disagreement about where your property ends, your survey markers are the first defense.
- Erosion or ground changes: A lot of erosion, especially on a slope, can uncover or move markers. Think about the heavy thunderstorms we get in the summer. They can move a lot of dirt. Construction on nearby properties can also cause ground changes.
- Unexpected changes in property use: If you see new paths as well as structures as well as landscaping appearing near your property line that you did not expect, it is time to check your markers and survey.
When to Call a Professional at Fayetteville Land Surveyors
Do not try to fix survey marker problems yourself. That is a job for a licensed professional. Here is when you should definitely call us at Fayetteville Land Surveyors:
- Missing or damaged markers: If you cannot find a marker, or it has clearly been moved, you will need a surveyor. We can re-establish or check its exact location. Trying to guess can cause bigger problems.
- Boundary disputes: If you are having a disagreement with a neighbor about property lines, a professional surveyor can give an unbiased and legally sound answer. Fayetteville Land Surveyors can reset markers as well as provide updated paperwork.
- Before big construction or landscaping: Are you planning a new fence, or an addition, or even cutting down many trees near a property line? Have a surveyor confirm your boundaries first. It is much cheaper to do it right the first time. This is better than moving a fence later.
- If you think someone is encroaching: If you believe someone is building on your property, a surveyor can confirm it with exact measurements.
- When selling or refinancing: A current and checked survey is not always required. But it can make transactions smoother. It can also prevent last-minute surprises. An old survey might not show current conditions or rules.
Your ALTA/NSPS survey is a valuable thing. Taking a little time to understand it as well as keep it up means you are protecting your property. It also helps you avoid future problems. This is just good homeowner sense, especially in a place like Fayetteville where our environment keeps us busy.