ALTA Surveys

What is an ALTA Land Survey? An ALTA survey is a detailed survey performed by a registered licensed surveyor, prepared in accordance with the standards specified by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping (ACSM). The ALTA land survey is a detailed survey of the property that shows boundaries, buildings, parking areas, improvements, easements, right-of-way, and other elements that impact land title. This is one of the most detailed surveys available, often at a greater cost than other surveys. While it is not mandated for every purchase, it is highly recommended for buying or selling commercial…

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Boundary Surveys

What is a Boundary Survey? A boundary survey is a process carried out by a licensed land surveyor that establishes the size and physical location of a parcel of land including property lines and property corners typically witnessed by monuments or markers, such as (iron rods, pipes, nails or concrete monuments) as described in a deed. It also indicates the extent of any easements or encroachments and may show limitations imposed on the property by state or local regulations. Why is a Boundary Survey Important? Boundary surveys are typically required in the following situations: To security mortgage loan approval or…

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Topographic Surveys

What are Topographic Surveys? Topographic surveys provide a three-dimensional map with digital information about the land elevation and features. Topographic surveys are done for small residential lots as well as for multi-acre properties. Depending on the nature of the project, either a complete topo or a partial topo may be required. Topographic surveys may contain varying levels of detail including: Structures including houses, garages, sheds, walls, fences; Hardscape areas including driveway, walkway, pavers, decks; Information such as elevations under a tree’s canopy, tree trunk location and size, pipe diameter, valve boxes, and drip line; Above ground visible utilities; Spot elevations…

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Construction Services

TKM Land Surveyors LP offers a series of construction services that are summarized in this section.  Construction Staking/Layout Construction staking is the process of interpreting construction plans and marking the location of proposed new structures such as an addition to your home. Construction staking is performed to ensure a project is built according to architectural plans and the City setback requirements. Construction staking may be required by lending institutions or code enforcement officers for projects involving single and multi-family homes. Construction staking is not mandatory, but many general contractors and civil engineers prefer to do construction staking/layout to minimize the…

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Installing a Fence

Many fences are not installed on the property line. Many clients believe that the fence marks the property line. In the past, the placement of the fences was generally done based on an informal agreement between two neighbors without doing a land survey. Part of the fence may be on the line, but it could also be off by 3 inches – 1 foot more cutting into your property and, more seriously, could extend into your neighbor’s property which constitutes an encroachment. TKM Land Surveyors LP recommends that you do a land survey before you install a fence to avoid…

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Buying/Selling Property

Residential Property A land survey is generally recommended when buying a residential property, however, it is not a mandatory requirement in California as it is with other states. It can be very difficult to complete a survey given the short escrow times in California and the current workload of land surveyors; There are times when disclosures may not be complete because no survey has been done. To get a complete understanding of your property, TKM Land Surveyors LP recommends both a boundary survey and a topographic survey. When property owners suspect there is a variance between the square footage shown in the Assessor’s…

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Boundary Disputes

What are boundary disputes? Most boundary disputes start when a neighbor takes an overt action to add, change or modify property elements like building a structure, tearing down a fence, cutting a tree down or placing landscaping on what you believe is your property. Disputes can arise when a neighbor’s property is sold, new owners move in and want to build a large addition, which renders any “handshake” agreement invalid. Fences which were installed without a survey can be one of the potential encroachments on a property. Why are boundary disputes important? These “disagreements” may start out as a civil…

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Other Services

Easement Survey TKM Land Surveyors LP can help you locate any easements on your property. Typically, property owners cannot build on an easement. Some property owners want to create easements with their neighbors. An easement is a limited “right to use” your property by a third party for a stated purpose but does not constitute full ownership of the property. Easement information is generally found in Schedule B of the Title Report. Examples of easements include: Allow a utility company to lay wires across your land; Allow a neighbor to drive across your land to reach theirs; Allow a neighbor…

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