Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Land Survey?
A Land Survey is the measurement, by a Licensed Surveyor, of real property that shows all boundaries and existing features of a tract of land within the guidelines of state law and professional organizations. A Land Survey should show and include a location and description of all property corners and boundaries, all physical improvements, means of access from a public right-of-way, location and description of any fences along or near your boundaries and any other physical and visible matters which could affect your use and enjoyment of your property.

Who can legally perform a Land Survey?
A land survey can only be certified by a professional who is licensed to practice in the state where the survey is conducted. For more information contact the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors.

Why should I get a recent survey?
Since a home purchase is such an important life decision, you should seriously consider getting a very recent survey. A few years ago, an industry change took place, which now allows buyers to use an old survey for the closing transaction. While this approach decreases the buyer’s closing costs, should you trust it? Consider that the usual survey cost is about one-half of one percent or less, compared to a realtor’s 3% or 6% and a loan origination of 1%.

A recent survey will reflect any changes that may have occurred to property including the creation of easements and improvements to the property.

How long does a Land Survey take?
Surveying is a time consuming and labor intensive process. If you are planning to transfer a piece of property, and intend to close on the property in the next month, you should contact us as quickly as possibly. You can expedite the process by filling out our Survey Request.

The time required to complete a survey will depend on the type of survey required, the size and condition of the property, the amount of effort required to research the legal information necessary to prove the reference points to be used, and the weather.

What are the different kinds of survey requirements and certification statements; and, which one do I need?
a) Normal survey/certification: this type probably meets 85% of our clients’ needs;

b) TSPS Category 1A(pdf): this type is a little more involved & costly than the normal, due to its requirements. Some title insurance companies and/or lenders may require it, usually for more valuable property;

c) ALTA/ACSM survey: this type is the most costly, usually required by title insurance companies and/or lenders for multi-family and/or commercial sites; requires the client to direct the surveyor as to which items on Table A shall be performed.

I’ve got an easement problem. How do I take care of it?
Harris-Grant Surveying can prepare the necessary survey documents for part of your procedure to get the easement released. An application would be made to the local government(s), involving obtaining the utility companies’ agreement. In the City of Austin, this process takes about six weeks, after submission of all necessary paperwork and fees.

My house has never flooded! Why am I required by my lender to have flood insurance? What can I do about it?
If your lender requires flood insurance, you must have at least an elevation certificate. Harris-Grant Surveying can provide this service. Some areas of Central Texas have a low density of “Reference Marks”(it may be a very long distance to the nearest reference mark); Harris-Grant Surveying can use its GPS (satellite) equipment to transfer an elevation (reference mark and/or benchmark) to your site, normally at much less cost than conventional methods.

Harris-Grant Surveying can also meet your needs regarding a LOMA and/or a LOMR F. This service can only be done on an hourly rate basis.

Look at our glossary of terms for explanations of the acronyms.

Please see the following links for more information and/or required forms:

FEMA: www.fema.gov

For Lake Travis property, especially in Travis County, see:
TRAVIS COUNTY: www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/default.asp or www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/permits/chapter64
LCRA: www.lcra.org/index.html

How are Subdivisions and Condominiums regulated?
SUBDIVISIONS are regulated by STATE LAW & LOCAL RULES. CONDOMINIUM projects are are discussed in the STATE OF TEXAS PROPERTY CODE (Title 7). A CONDOMINIUM project is subject to LESS local review/approval than a SUBDIVISION project. For more detailed information and related links, click here.


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	Importance of a Recent Survey Order a Survey Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us for More Information	Frequently Asked Questions What is a Land Survey? A Land Survey is the measurement, by a Licensed Surveyor, of real property that shows all boundaries and existing features of a tract of land within the guidelines of state law and professional organizations. A Land Survey should show and include a location and description of all property corners and boundaries, all physical improvements, means of access from a public right-of-way, location and description of any fences along or near your boundaries and any other physical and visible matters which could affect your use and enjoyment of your property. Who can legally perform a Land Survey? A land survey can only be certified by a professional who is licensed to practice in the state where the survey is conducted. For more information contact the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors. Why should I get a recent survey? Since a home purchase is such an important life decision, you should seriously consider getting a very recent survey. A few years ago, an industry change took place, which now allows buyers to use an old survey for the closing transaction. While this approach decreases the buyer’s closing costs, should you trust it? Consider that the usual survey cost is about one-half of one percent or less, compared to a realtor’s 3% or 6% and a loan origination of 1%. A recent survey will reflect any changes that may have occurred to property including the creation of easements and improvements to the property. How long does a Land Survey take? Surveying is a time consuming and labor intensive process. If you are planning to transfer a piece of property, and intend to close on the property in the next month, you should contact us as quickly as possibly. You can expedite the process by filling out our Survey Request. The time required to complete a survey will depend on the type of survey required, the size and condition of the property, the amount of effort required to research the legal information necessary to prove the reference points to be used, and the weather. What are the different kinds of survey requirements and certification statements; and, which one do I need? a) Normal survey/certification: this type probably meets 85% of our clients’ needs; b) TSPS Category 1A(pdf): this type is a little more involved & costly than the normal, due to its requirements. Some title insurance companies and/or lenders may require it, usually for more valuable property; c) ALTA/ACSM survey: this type is the most costly, usually required by title insurance companies and/or lenders for multi-family and/or commercial sites; requires the client to direct the surveyor as to which items on Table A shall be performed. I’ve got an easement problem. How do I take care of it? Harris-Grant Surveying can prepare the necessary survey documents for part of your procedure to get the easement released. An application would be made to the local government(s), involving obtaining the utility companies’ agreement. In the City of Austin, this process takes about six weeks, after submission of all necessary paperwork and fees. My house has never flooded! Why am I required by my lender to have flood insurance? What can I do about it? If your lender requires flood insurance, you must have at least an elevation certificate. Harris-Grant Surveying can provide this service. Some areas of Central Texas have a low density of “Reference Marks”(it may be a very long distance to the nearest reference mark); Harris-Grant Surveying can use its GPS (satellite) equipment to transfer an elevation (reference mark and/or benchmark) to your site, normally at much less cost than conventional methods. Harris-Grant Surveying can also meet your needs regarding a LOMA and/or a LOMR F. This service can only be done on an hourly rate basis. Look at our glossary of terms for explanations of the acronyms. Please see the following links for more information and/or required forms: FEMA: www.fema.gov For Lake Travis property, especially in Travis County, see: TRAVIS COUNTY: www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/default.asp or www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/permits/chapter64 LCRA: www.lcra.org/index.html How are Subdivisions and Condominiums regulated? SUBDIVISIONS are regulated by STATE LAW & LOCAL RULES. CONDOMINIUM projects are are discussed in the STATE OF TEXAS PROPERTY CODE (Title 7). A CONDOMINIUM project is subject to LESS local review/approval than a SUBDIVISION project. For more detailed information and related links, click here.
		© 2005 Harris-Grant Surveying, Inc.