Frequently Asked Questions About Land Surveying

Land surveying can be complicated. White Surveying Company has provided land surveying services to the Tulsa, OK, region for decades. We know our stuff, and are proud to share our knowledge. We’ve organized answers to our most commonly asked questions below.

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My land has already been surveyed. Do I need another land or property survey?

There is no guarantee that a previous survey is still accurate. Over time structures may have been added or removed, easements could have been added, and new regulations may impact the survey. Technological advancements and new information may change the results, too. Also, surveyors do sometimes make mistakes.

Can I get by with just one line surveyed?

Except in limited circumstances, it is not possible to verify the accurate location of a single property line. It is generally necessary to locate multiple monuments to verify locations.

Can I build on my property without a land survey or property survey?

You want to be sure you understand where your property lines are and what easements and right of ways may apply BEFORE starting any build. Fences and other installations are expensive. Most cities will require you to have a survey before you can build or add on to an existing building. If you spend your money BEFORE a survey is completed, you may be forced to spend even more money relocating the fence or addition to your property. A small investment in a survey upfront can save you thousands, in the long run.

Why isn't my land surveyor agreeing with me? I'm paying him, after all.

You pay a land surveyor to correctly determine where the property lines are, not where you think they are. Surveyors have the responsibility of protecting the interests of the public, including surrounding landowners affected by our work. If your land surveyor tells you what you want to hear, instead of what you need to hear, he puts your property, your investment, and the adjacent properties at risk.

Do I really need a land survey before building a fence or a wall? Why can't I just go for it?

A land or property survey protects your investment in a fence or a wall. You’ll know where you can or cannot build BEFORE you spend your money installing the barrier. It’s a lot less expensive to have your line surveyed properly than to have to move a fence or wall later. And your neighbors will be a lot happier if they don’t have to fight to have a fence moved off their property. Building a fence or a wall based on an assumption is risky.

Do I really need a land survey before building a fence or a wall? Why can't I just go for it?

I don't think my neighbors and I will ever have a dispute over a property line. Do I really need a land survey?

Encroachments and land disputes are a lot more common than you think. As land value increases there are more concerns regarding where property lines really are. Securing a land survey before a dispute can settle the matter diplomatically and provide property owners with peace of mind.

How much does a land survey or property survey cost?

Prices for land surveys are based on a variety of factors, including:

Size
Location
Existence of previous surveys Quality and availability of existing records
Markers and monuments in the field
Date the land was partitioned Topography
Presence of obstacles such as vegetation, fences, building, creeks, and ponds

How do I know I need a mortgage inspection report?

A mortgage inspection plat is an informal survey performed for the lender’s benefit using information from the deed or plat, an onsite inspection and measurements to show property lines and all structures in their approximate location. A mortgage inspection is not a boundary survey or to be used as one.

How do I know I need an ALTA/ACSM land title survey of my property?

An ALTA/ACSM survey is usually performed at the request of a title company to provide the title company, lender and buyer with a boundary survey acceptable to the title insurance company for the purpose of insuring title. This survey must meet specific minimum standards as established by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors.

How do I know I need a boundary survey of my property?

A boundary survey determines the locations of the lines and corners of a tract of land. These can range from simple to complex and sometimes can involve complicated title/ownership issues. In either case, a surveyor should provide a professional opinion as to where the parcel lines are using all available evidence and providing either a written survey report or map of the survey.

How do I know I need a topographic survey of my property?

A topographic survey is performed to show contours, natural and man-made features of a tract of land. A topographic survey is generally done to provide architects and engineers with information necessary for preparation of design plans.

Why should I have my property surveyed?

A survey performed by a professional land surveyor can identify potential problems or avoid future problems. Many landowners move into a place and do not know exactly where their boundaries are located. As neighbors move away, who built what and why becomes lost and structures like fences and trees become assumed lines that keep peace, usually, between neighbors, but may not be where the deed identifies the property line to be. Property lines are generally invisible and it may take a professional land surveyor with knowledge, expertise and experience to determine their original position.

How long does a land survey take?

The timeline depends on the size of the property, the type of survey requested, and the availability of existing records. Some residential surveys can be completed quickly, while larger or more complex projects may take longer. Research, field work, and professional review all take time because accuracy matters. A reliable survey is done carefully to protect your investment.

What should I do to prepare my property before the survey crew arrives?

You don’t need to do much, but clearing obvious obstacles like locked gates or aggressive pets helps our crew work efficiently. If possible, let us know about known corner markers, improvements, or access limitations. The more accessible the property is, the smoother the field work will go.

Will the survey crew need access to my neighbor’s property?

Sometimes, yes. To accurately determine boundary locations, surveyors may need to reference nearby monuments or markers that are not located directly on your property. This is a normal part of professional surveying and helps ensure accurate results for everyone involved.

What happens if a survey reveals an encroachment or boundary issue?

Discovering a problem early is one of the main benefits of a survey. It gives property owners the opportunity to address the situation before construction, sale, or legal disputes occur. Your survey provides clear documentation that can help guide conversations with neighbors, contractors, attorneys, or local authorities.

Do survey markers stay in place permanently?

Survey monuments are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but they can be disturbed by construction, landscaping, or natural conditions over time. Protecting these markers helps preserve accurate boundary information for future reference. If a marker is damaged or missing, a surveyor can re-establish it.