Land surveyors specialize in locating and measuring property boundaries and helping determine the contour, shape, location, elevation, and dimensions of a parcel of land. They’re indispensable in a variety of situations, ranging from real estate purchases to legal conflicts with neighbors. Below are some of the most common reasons to hire a land surveyor.

When Do You Need a Land Surveyor?

1. When You’re Subdividing Land

If you have a large property and wish to divide it into smaller parcels, either for sale or for development, you'll need the help of a land surveyor. They will help you determine the size, shape, and location of each parcel and make sure you are complying with all local zoning laws and regulations. 

2. When You're Buying or Selling Land

As a buyer, a land survey is important because it tells you precisely what you're getting, where it is, and whether there are any easements—someone else's right to use or cross the land—setbacks, or other restrictions. It can let you know if the land is as valuable as you thought. As a seller, it gives you much of the information buyers will need to make a decision and could speed up the sale of your property.

3. When There’s a Boundary Dispute

If you intend to build a garage, fence, gazebo, or other structure on your land but your neighbor claims it encroaches on his property, you'll often need a land survey to settle the dispute. Your neighbor's deed may show a different property boundary than yours, and a surveyor can determine which, if either, is correct. 

4. When You're Building on Your Property

If you plan a new construction home, a land surveyor will let you know of any setback requirements for the house, trees, and other structures. A setback is the distance from the property line in which construction is prohibited. A survey will also locate any legal easements — such as a neighbor's driveway — that will prevent you from building.

To hire an accurate, reliable land surveyor, contact Fusco Engineering & Land Surveying in Middletown, NY. They have served clients in Orange County and around the Hudson Valley region since 1983. They also offer construction surveying, civil engineering, building inspections, and septic system design. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (845) 344­-5863 to arrange a consultation.