Survey Services Company,LLC 340-713-4555
27-28 King Cross Street
Christiansted, VI 0820
FQA
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is designed to answer general questions regarding land surveying. Persons reading the information provided should not act upon this information without seeking the advice of a professional surveyor. Visiting this website does not establish a client relationship with our company.
What is a land survey?
A land survey locates and marks the property corners. If those corners are not marked the surveyor will monument them. If requested, a map of the survey is then prepared and signed by the surveyor which shows the nature of the monuments found or set, measurements of all property lines, encroachments, building lines and easements as shown on a recorded subdivision map if the parcel is within a subdivision. The surveyor will show the location of all buildings on the parcel.
What are some basic types of surveys?
When should you order a land survey? A survey should be ordered whenever there is a conveyance of any parcel of land to be assured of the location of the boundaries of the land. Additional land surveys may be done to show the location or ownership of features, whether man-made or natural and to obtain Title Insurance Coverage over matters of survey. Most buyers and their lenders require a survey at time of closing. What is an encroachment? Real property that extends onto adjacent land owned by someone else. For example, if someone builds a shed at the edge of their property without knowing the actual property boundaries, the shed may extend onto land that they do not own. Having a professional survey performed before building near the property boundary is a good idea so you can avoid any possible encroachment issues. What is an easement?
An easement allows another person the right to use your land for a specific purpose. The most usual easements are those granted to public utility or telephone companies to run lines on or under your private property and to neighboring houses to use a common driveway to give access to their home. How can the location of an easement or right-of-way be determined? There are four ways to determine the location of an easement or right-of-way. First, a survey plan may be registered at Land Titles. Second, the easement may be described by a metes and bounds description, which in words describes the location of the easement. In addition, the metes and bounds description may be accompanied by a sketch showing the location of the easement. Third, a landowner can consult the holder of the easement or right-of-way or, fourth, have the boundaries identified by a licensed land surveyor.
Who owns an easement or right-of-way? The holder (beneficiary or grantee) of an easement or right-of-way holds certain rights regarding usage of the property described in the agreement. The holder’s rights of use are described and restricted by the agreement. The landowner continues to own the land and has only given up defined rights on the portion of land used for the right-of-way or easement. The agreement defines all the rights and obligations of the holder of the easement or right-of-way and the restrictions that are placed upon the property subject to the agreement.
