• Before a land title is conveyed, to clarify boundaries and acreage. The survey should also make certain that land usage conforms to the legal description of the property (i.e., no encroachments, overlaps, gaps, etc.)
• Before land is subdivided. Most Georgia cities and counties require that a subdivision plat be placed on record.
• Before undertaking improvements (buildings, fences, etc.) By confirming absolute boundaries, you can prevent encroachments on adjoining property and avoid possible litigation. · Before an estate is partitioned by will. Recorded partition plats will assure that your intentions are carried out properly.

Q2. What are the responsibilities of the surveyor?

A2. A responsible surveyor will perform all contracted work in accordance with state laws, local regulations, and high ethical stands. Specifically, he or she may:

• · Study your property description and render a professional opinion as to the boundaries of your land
• · Survey your property, and adjacent property if necessary
• · Advise if there are defects in your land description or evidence of encroachment
• · Set marked monuments at property corners and maintain file records at his or her office
• · Prepare a certified plat of survey for your property, indicating measurements, monuments, and other requested information
• · Help plan and layout a subdivision into lots and streets
• · File a copy of maps or plats with the appropriate office (if required by law or at your request)
• · Locate visible easements, buildings, fences, rights of way, encroachments, and other possession evidence
• · Inform all interested parties or progress and results
• · Cooperate with your attorney, realtor, banker, engineer, or architect
• · Write a legal description of the property
• · Supply you with required copies of the plat or map, each with certification and signature

Q3. What does the surveyor need from me to get started?

A3. You will need to provide the surveyor with:

• · The purpose and type of survey
• · Your deed or a copy of it
• · Any available plats and information about the locations of corners and lines
• · A brief history of ownership
• · Information about disputed property lines
• · An abstract and title opinion, if available (and requested by the surveyor)

Q4. What is the cost of a survey?

A4. A number of factors determine the final cost of a survey. These can include the time to:

• · Search court records for evidence to reestablish original boundaries
• · Conduct the field surveys
• · Make computations
• · Prepare a plat of survey
• · Mark the properties lines if requested
• · Place corners as required by state law

The following factors can increase the cost of a survey:

• · Missing property corners
• · Disputed lines
• · Rough terrain
• · Heavy underbrush
• · Poor land descriptions within old records
• · Travel time to job site

To reduce the possibility of a misunderstanding, surveyors often request that you sign an agreement that includes a description of the work to be done, approximate completion date, a lump sum price or estimated fee, and a payment schedule

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Q5. Where can I find a registered surveyor?

A5. We suggest you call Seiler & Associates at (678) 565-9200.

Most licensed surveyors are listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory under "Surveyors-Land." You can verify registration of a surveyor with the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (link to www.sos.state.ga.us/ebd-pels/)

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Q6. How can I be sure a surveyor is reputable?

A6. Only a competent registered land surveyor, licensed by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, is legally permitted to perform a survey in the State of Georgia. Qualifications are established by state law, and all qualified surveyors must possess evidence of a current license to practice land surveying.

The following recommendations will help assure you make the right choice:

• · If any doubt exists, contact the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (same link as above) to verify that the individual or firm is properly certified.
• · Be sure that your survey map or plat bears the prescribed seal of a Registered Land Surveyor. The law requires each registered surveyor to stamp plats with a professional seal. This seal must bear the words "Registered Land Surveyor," the inscription "Georgia," and the name and license number of the land surveyor responsible for the work.
• · Beware of persons or companies offering to survey your land on the basis of an "arrangement" with a Registered Land Surveyor. The law allows Registered Land Surveyors to utilize employees or subordinates, but only under direct supervision. The Registered Land Surveyor must take full responsibility for the survey.
• · Exercise caution in contracting for a "low bid survey." You may receive an illegal and worthless survey map, not suitable for recording, and inadequate for property conveyance.
• · Deal directly with the Registered Land Surveyor, and make payments for services only to the Registered Land Surveyor or the associated firm.

Q7. How do I request a survey from Seiler & Associates?

A. Just call our office at (678) 565-9200, fax us at (678) 565-9621, or drop us an e-mail at:

contact@seilerassoc.com

Make sure to tell us as much as you can about your survey need. We'll send back a detailed written proposal at no charge to you.

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