What Does it Mean to Have your Land Surveyed?

What Is  A Licensed Land Surveyor?

In NH a Licensed Land Surveyor is defined in RSA 310-A:54 as
"A land surveyor is a professional specialist in the techniques of measuring land, educated in the basic principles of mathematics, the related physical and applied sciences, and the relevant requirements of law for adequate evidence and all requisite to the surveying of real property and engaged in the practice of land surveying as herein defined."

What Does It Mean to Have Land Suveyed?

A land survey is performed for the purpose of locating, describing, monumenting and mapping the boundaries and corners of a parcel of land. It may also include mapping of the topography of the parcel, and the location of buildings or other improvements upon the parcel.

If you have any questions please call 603-235-0899 or email us at edwardssurveydesign@gmail.com we'll be glad to discuss and assess your property needs with you.

What Is A Boundary?

A boundary could be any natural or artificial separation marking the border of two adjacent properties. A natural boundary is one existing in nature, such as a river; while an artificial boundary is one created by written conveyance such as in a subdivision or written deed.

How Are Boundaries Created?

Most boundaries are created by written documents (such as warranty or quit claim deeds) that contain specific descriptions. Property rights may also be established by unwritten means such as long time occupation of land. A Licensed Land Surveyor will research these factors and how they affect boundaries of your property.

When Should I Have My Land Surveyed?

You should have your land surveyed:
  • Before you purchase new property. This will disclose the relationship between the lines of possession and the deeded property lines.
  • Whenever you believe there may be a conflict of use on your property.
  • Prior to dividing any parcel of land for sale.
  • Prior to doing any home additions that involve adding to the foot print of your home.
  • When looking to install a new fence along your property line.
  • To satisfy your mortgage company, they may require a Flood Plain Certificate to verify your home's height above sea level.

How Much Will A Survey Cost?

A Land Surveyor's fees will be based on the anticipated difficulty and time required to complete the project. Routine survey projects may be estimated as to cost, but the client should be aware that in many situations, the Licensed Land Surveyor cannot predict the amount of work that will be required to recover necessary monuments, restore lost corners, research city or county records, collect field data, complete mathematical calculations, and prepare descriptions and maps of the property. All of this must be combined and analyzed to establish the location of property corners and create the final plan.

One of the most uncertain and costly parts of the survey is the recovery of various types of monuments. It is important for land owners, contractors, and the public to be aware that careless treatment and destruction of survey monuments adds time and costs to subsequent surveys.

Duties of The Licensed Land Surveyor

A Licensed Land Surveyor renders a highly technical service to the client. As a licensed professional, the services provided by the surveyor must comply with several applicable laws, regulations, standards and codes which have been established by the state, county, and local governments. The Licensed Land Surveyor must conform to these guidelines and will abide by these high standards of conduct and practice.

For more information about Licensed Land Surveyors in New Hampshire contact the The New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association (NHLSA). The NHLSA exists to promote the profession of surveying, mapping, land information systems and related fields. NHLSA supports the advancement of technologies and helps ensure that these professional activities provide for the safety and welfare of the general public. The NHLSA  was established in 1969. www.nhlsa.org 

In New Hampshire the Joint Board of Land Surveyors oversee the testing and licensing of Land Surveyors. The purpose of the Board of Land Surveyors is to regulate the licensing of Land Surveyors and the practice of Land Surveying in the State of New Hampshire. The Joint Board of Licensure was established to look out for and protect the public's best interests. http://www.nh.gov/jtboards/ls.htm

Equipment We Use

We utilize the most up-to-date equipment, currently we have a Leica TS-13 Robotic Instrument, a Carlson Tablet Data Collector and a Sokkia GPS Unit. This equipment allows our team to move much quicker, with great accuracy and precision.

We also have the ability to send a single crew member out with the Robotic Instrument, this is a great tool for us to gather data, we are able to get the same high level information with just a one person crew!

Carlson Data Collector & Sokkia GPS Unit