When it comes to owning property, one of the most important—but often overlooked—questions is: Where exactly does your land begin and end?
Whether you’re building a fence, planning an addition, or settling a disagreement with a neighbor, knowing your exact property lines is crucial. That’s where a professional boundary survey comes in.
If you’re a homeowner in Pennsylvania, here’s what you need to know, without the jargon or legal fog.
What Is a Property Boundary Survey?
A boundary survey is a professional evaluation that determines the legal edges of your land. It identifies:
- Your exact property lines
- Any easements or rights-of-way (such as utility access)
- Encroachments, such as a neighbor’s shed or driveway crossing onto your land
The result is both a detailed map of your property and physical markers placed on-site to show key corners or lines.
When Should You Consider One?
You don’t need a survey every year, but there are times when skipping it could lead to major headaches later. Here are the most common reasons homeowners request one:
- Before purchasing property to confirm what you’re actually buying
- Before building a fence, garage, or addition to make sure you’re not crossing a line
- During a neighbor dispute to bring facts into an emotional situation
- When subdividing or selling land to provide accurate, legal boundaries
- To understand easements like utility corridors or shared access
In short, when in doubt, get a survey.
What Does the Process Involve?
A professional survey may sound complex, but it follows a clear process:
1. Research
Surveyors start by reviewing historical property records, including deeds, tax maps, previous surveys, and even neighboring parcels. In Pennsylvania, this often means interpreting old descriptions that reference long-gone landmarks like “the big oak tree” or “the stone wall.”
2. Field Work
Next, surveyors visit your property with specialized tools such as total stations and GPS equipment. They will:
- Locate and verify existing markers
- Measure angles and distances
- Set new boundary markers if needed
3. Analysis
Using all the gathered data, the surveyor calculates and confirms your boundary lines. This can include resolving conflicting records and applying Pennsylvania-specific boundary law.
4. Final Documentation
You’ll receive:
- A detailed boundary map
- A formal report
- Permanent boundary markers installed on-site
This ensures you know exactly where your land begins, ends, and what’s in between.
Why It Matters in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s long history means some properties date back to colonial times, and their boundary descriptions often reflect that. Over the years, changes in ownership, unclear deeds, and shifting landmarks can create confusion.
That’s why it’s important to rely on a professional survey, not assumptions based on fences, informal agreements, or outdated maps.
After the Survey: What Should You Do?
Once your boundary survey is complete:
- Keep the documentation with your property records
- Ensure the boundary markers remain visible and undisturbed
- Consult the survey before starting any project near your property lines
- Share it with neighbors when appropriate, especially if there have been disputes
Peace of Mind You Can Build On
A property boundary survey isn’t just for developers or legal battles—it’s a smart step for any homeowner. It gives you clarity, protects your investment, and prevents problems before they start.
At All County and Associates, we combine modern technology with decades of local surveying experience to provide Pennsylvania property owners with accurate, reliable results. Whether you’re buying land, improving your home, or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your boundary survey and take the guesswork out of property ownership.