Do you know where your plot of land stops and your neighbor’s estate begins? Unfortunately, not many property owners are aware of their exact boundary lines. That’s why boundary disputes are so prevalent in America and why you need a land surveyor to help.

A land surveying team can help settle disputes by creating boundary surveys. These detailed plans outline property corners, dimensions, and acreage. Then, property owners use the surveys to prove when a neighbor is encroaching onto their plot of land.

What Is a Boundary Dispute?

Boundary disputes are property conflicts that occur when one or both neighbors have a problem adhering to their property lines. They typically occur when owners do not know where their piece of property stops and their neighbor’s land begins.

An estate’s deed should outline each plot of land’s specific dimensions. But outdated or inaccurate deeds or design plans lead to conflicts when one neighbor wants to sell or build upon a portion of land they do not own.

For example, forests, fields, streams, and rivers commonly serve as boundary markers. But when those natural structures disappear, landowners become less aware of property lines.

Boundary Disputes and Encroachment

Are boundary disputes and encroachment the same thing? Not exactly. Boundary disputes can include a range of issues, with the most common one being encroachment. Encroachment cases may be resolved through one-on-one negotiations or in a civil court case.

Encroachment occurs when one property owner violates the rights of his or her neighbor by extending a structure into their plot. This typically occurs because a person unintentionally builds outside of their piece of land. Encroachment is a form of trespassing. Common forms of encroachment include:

• Extending existing structures or buildings onto another person’s property or public domain
• Unlawfully entering a neighboring property without permission
• Building a fence past your property line
• Shrubbery or tree branches crossing over boundary lines
• Construction overlapping lot lines without notifying the designated plot owner

How Can a Surveyor Help in a Boundary Dispute

The easiest way to prevent a boundary dispute is by knowing your property lines. But how do you define property boundaries? The simple solution is by hiring a land surveyor.

A professional surveyor can provide a detailed property outline that matches the legal description in your deed. A professional can also set up markers to help you better understand where your plot of land ends. A licensed land surveyor will perform on-site and off-site research to create a formal boundary survey.

The Boundary Surveying Process

A professional will perform research in the county where the deed is registered to begin the boundary surveying process. The surveyor may need to consult local officials at municipal offices, historical societies, and county commissioner facilities to ensure the description is 100% accurate.

Next, the surveyor conducts fieldwork. Technicians travel to the property in dispute and use specialized surveying equipment to gather measurements, establish property corners, locate structures, and map out boundary lines.

After gathering all necessary research, surveyors analyze the data to produce a detailed property design. The finalized document typically includes:

• A detailed plot sketch outlining the property lines
• A written property description
• Additional structure and easement notes
• An explanation of how the surveyor determined the property boundaries

How to Use a Land Survey to Resolve a Boundary Dispute

A formal land survey is a legal document. Once a licensed land surveyor completes your boundary survey, you can use the information to resolve boundary issues with neighbors.

The ideal way to solve a boundary dispute is to talk one-on-one with the neighbor. Visit their property, give them a call, or send an email with a copy of your boundary survey attached. Be sure to complete a land survey first so that you can show evidence of their encroachment.

In the majority of cases, property owners may not realize they are encroaching. However, once informed, your neighbor may be happy to work with you to resolve the issue.

Getting a Lawyer Involved

Attempt to amend the boundary dispute civilly and politely first. If your neighbor refuses to cooperate or continues encroaching onto your piece of property, take legal action.

A skilled attorney will use a boundary survey to send a formal demand letter to the encroaching neighbor. The letter explains the situation, demonstrates proof of boundary lines, and requests the neighbor take action to amend the case.

If permanent structures encroach on your land, a lawyer may provide a settlement offer to settle the issue. The adjoining property owner will compensate you in exchange for taking a chunk of your estate. However, if all else fails, you may have to take your neighbor to civil court. A lawyer will use your boundary survey as evidence during the trial if this occurs.

Know Your Property Lines to Avoid a Boundary Dispute

Are you guilty of encroaching onto your neighbor’s lawn? If you do not know your boundary lines, you may be crossing into your neighbor’s property without realizing it. To prevent future boundary disputes and potential lawsuits, hire a professional land surveyor to perform a boundary survey.

Moving forward, keep an updated land survey on file. Refer to the documents when adding new construction or landscaping designs to your property.