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A land survey is a graphic depiction and written description of a property that is created by determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. A survey is used to establish maps and boundaries for ownership, location, commercial transactions, construction or other purposes.

A survey includes property boundaries, the location of improvements, the presence of easements or other restrictions, a written description for the property deed, and a determination of whether a property is in a floodplain. If a structure is in a floodplain, the survey can also include an elevation certificate.

If you’re involved in a residential, commercial or municipal property transaction or building project, you need to know the precise locations of boundary lines. You also need to make sure you have no encroachments, rights-of-way or easements to consider.

Your surveyor will certify that buildings and any other alterations to your property that exist at the time of the survey are not in violation of laws, local ordinances or other restrictions.

A survey helps prevent future disputes and avoid the expense of any corrective measures needed when structures or land improvements are later found to be outside of boundaries or in violation of regulations.

Although this is not an all-inclusive list, you need an accurate, current survey:

• When buying real estate
• When selling real estate
• When property is not already defined by a description or a plat
• When a property line or corner location is in dispute
• When establishing lease boundaries
• When required by a lender
• When buying flood insurance
• When buying title insurance
• Before clearing land or making improvements (fences, buildings, etc.) near a property line
• When developing real estate or subdividing a parcel of land
• Before harvesting timber

The cost of a land survey varies by the size and complexity of the plot. Jeffrey Moon & Associates offers complete, written quotations prior to beginning work. To initiate a quote, contact us or submit an online Request for Quote.

Some of the factors affecting survey costs include:

• Accessibility of the property (travel distance, terrain, vegetation, weather, etc,)
• Record search time, which is impacted by the number of parcels involved and the number or previous transactions
• Amount of existing physical evidence on the property (monuments, fences, etc.)
• Title company requirements, which may require higher-than-normal amounts of documentation

Choosing a reputable firm is critical, given the importance of an accurate survey in assuring legal compliance and avoiding future disputes regarding your property.

Here are some key factors to consider in choosing your survey partner:

How many years has the firm been in business?
Jeffrey Moon & Associates was founded in 1987.

Is the firm registered with the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors?
Jeffrey Moon & Associates is a registered member (TBPLS Firm No. 10112200).

Is the principle of the firm a Registered Professional Land Surveyor?
Jeffrey Moon (VP/Owner) is one of three Registered Professional Land Surveyors on staff.

Is the firm bonded and insured?
Jeffrey Moon & Associates has continued to carry bonding and insurance to satisfy the requirements of homeowners, commercial developers and governmental entities on major projects for more than three decades.

Is the surveyor a member of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors?

All surveyors at Jeffrey Moon & Associates are members of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.