Significance of Understanding Your Property Lines Map

A property lines map is a document that contains accurate information about the boundary of a real estate lot. It is useful in settling disputes between property owners, especially when it comes to land encroachment. The dispute doesn’t have to last long — hiring a licensed surveyor can make a huge difference. 

One of the more common questions asked by owners is, “Where do my property lines begin and end?”. Ultimately, the best way to resolve the question would be to go outside for an assessment. However, a homeowner’s boundary lines assessment can contain mistakes, occasionally leading to buildings being put on the wrong property. The mistake doesn’t have to be major. Small mistakes or discrepancies in the information contained in the housing documents can cause disagreements between the two parties. These mistakes are usually costly since corrections always cost extra money. 

For this reason, it is important to get things right from the very start of the building process. A well-trained and experienced surveyor will come in handy, potentially preventing this nail-biting experience. In this article, we will take a look at what a property lines map is, it’s significance in construction projects, and how much property line surveys typically cost.

What is a Property Lines Map?

A property lines map is a set of documents that show the legal limit of one’s land. The boundary lines noted there show in a visual way who owns a particular piece of land so that it may not be encroached upon by a neighbor. Well-defined boundaries make things easier for everyone; if you know who owns what, you’ll be far less likely to overstep the lines. 

The description of property lines can be found in legal documents such as surveys and deeds. It is the responsibility of the land’s owner to maintain the area within their boundaries while also paying property taxes. If an owner wants to start an improvement-related project or any other type of construction, it is for them to first understand homeowners association rules and local zoning regulations. This will help ensure they don’t break any applicable laws before or after work begins. 

The importance of the property lines map can not be overemphasized. It will help prevent conflicts with neighbors and settle disputes if they arise. 

Importance of a Property Lines Map in Construction

A property lines map can be key to planning new works. Its value extends to issues such as: 

1. Encroachment: It’s not unusual for lot improvements such as playgrounds, driveways, and gardens to cross into the wrong lot. Such can quickly cause complex legal disputes. A property lines map is the best document to use to prevent encroachments during the planning and to resolve property-boundary disputes. 

2. Easements: You as a landowner may learn that a neighbor is allowed by law to use part of your property to gain access to their land if it is landlocked. For example, you may share a driveway with your neighbor. Even if the driveway physically resides on your property, the neighbor may be legally entitled to use it as needed in order to access their own property. 

3. New Construction: A property lines map helps a landowner stay within their legal lot while building a fence or house. For the construction of a new home, a survey may also be required.

4. Property Disputes: There are cases where the responsibility of maintaining a fence or removing a fallen tree may fall to one or both parties. Additionally, there may be a misunderstanding about the placement of the sidelines and frontage. Whatever the case, a property lines map will come in handy in settling such disputes. 

A surveyor is not only instrumental in making an informed decision about the establishment of property lines but also helps to determine if a given property is in a flood plain or other hazardous zone. Contact a Burrell CG representative today for your property line inquiries.