What Is The Difference Between a Boundary Survey and a Location Drawing?
I just purchased a home and my title company sent me something saying a need to decide between a boundary survey and a location drawing, what is the difference?
Fundamentally the two types of surveys are the same. They give the purchaser and lender a drawing of where property lines, improvements, building violations in relation to its neighbors and property boarders. But, the two surveys are very different when it comes to obtaining a mortgage and title insurance.
A location drawing shows the property lines and locates any and all improvements on the lot, using the legal description and any recorded easements, right of ways, etc, of which the surveyor is made aware. A location drawing has precision of one foot in each direction. A location drawing is not based on markers at the property.
A boundary survey is done by a crew of surveyors, actual property corners are marked at the property, and lines are determined where they actually are, not by the recorded plat (but checked against it). There is little to no margin of error on a boundary survey. The precision of a boundary is within 1/8 of an inch, per Maryland state regulations.
The other main difference is the cost of the two surveys. Most location drawings will vary between $200 – $300 (up to 1 acre) depending on the surveying company being used. A boundary survey is quite a bit more expensive because of the amount of time, man power and the degree of precision the boundary survey requires. All boundary surveys are quoted individually but the range for residential boundary one acre or less could be anywhere from $750 to $2000.
When it comes to obtaining a mortgage and title insurance, (in conjunction with purchasing a new home), a location drawing is typically the type of survey required.
However, if a new purchaser decides to purchase a new property and plans improvements to the property (such as a shed, fence or a deck) it is important to know exactly where your property lines are and where the building setback lines are so that you do not encroach on your neighbors property, or violate a building code which could be costly. This is where the benefit of the boundary survey would come into play and where the added expense can really save the homeowner in the long run.
*** explanation courtesy of www.titleinsuranceblog.com ***
