The Role of Property Surveyors in Resolving Boundary Disputes
13 JulyIf you own a home or land, it’s important to know where your property begins and ends to avoid land disputes between you and people with properties around you. When there’s a land dispute involving you and someone who owns property near you, it can be a stressful and unpleasant time. Regardless of who is involved in a boundary dispute, it’s important to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. While there are several entities that may get involved in resolving the dispute, none of them will be as important as the property surveyor.
If you are in a boundary dispute in El Paso, Land-Mark Survey can help determine where your land ends and begins. To learn more about our services, contact us online or call (915) 598-1300 today.
Steps For Conflict Resolution
Hire a Property Surveyor
Resolving a dispute around a boundary or property infraction is a tall order. Tensions are often high, and tempers are boiling, which makes mediation and resolution extremely difficult. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a property surveyor involved immediately. Property surveyors are unbiased professionals who’s only goal is to determine the exact location of your property boundaries, as well as those of your neighbor.
Discuss the Issue
Once you hire a property surveyor, it’s vital to discuss the property issue with them so that they have all the information. Land disputes happen for various reasons, and your property surveyor needs to know exactly what they’re looking for. Here are some of the most common reasons for a property dispute.
- Water or mineral rights
- A fence infraction
- Landscape or tree issues
- Rights to other natural resources
- Zoning restrictions
- Land use rights
Regardless of what the issue is, a land surveyor will help get it resolved as quickly as possible.
Gather All the Necessary Documents
As part of the resolution process, the individuals involved in the dispute will need to gather a wide range of legal documents, including the following.
- Deeds
- Land titles
- Sketch plans
- Property description documents
- Any previous land surveys
The Property Surveyors’ Role
Once the property surveyor has all the necessary documentation and paperwork, they will begin the surveying process. Land surveying is an exact science that can only get performed by qualified, certified, and licensed professionals. It’s a complicated process that will include the following steps.
- Plotting and locating property lines
- Measuring boundary lines
- Locating underground utilities and resources to determine whether or not you have the right to them
- Measuring and plotting any bodies of water on your land or running through it
- Plotting and measuring things in the air above your property, such as outstretched tree branches
Property surveyors will then document and report their findings to all the parties involved in the dispute and the authorities if necessary. To ensure they have taken accurate measurements and have properly determined the boundary lines, they will use the following tactics.
- Aerial photography and photogrammetry through the use of drones, planes, or choppers.
- GPS to ensure accurate latitude, longitude, and positioning.
- Land and geographic information systems
- Sub-surface engineering equipment when underground utilities, resources, and elements are involved.
If the conditions between the disputing parties are too hostile, property surveyors can also act as mediators in the negotiations. They will have all the evidence and proof necessary to bring the dispute to a speedy end.
Contact Land-Mark Survey to Resolve Boundary Disputes in El Paso
If you or someone you know is involved in a boundary dispute in El Paso, Land-Mark Survey is here to assist. We have the equipment and expertise necessary to resolve any boundary dispute, regardless of its scope or nature. Contact us online or call (915) 598-1300 today!