You did the right thing by ordering a boundary survey, but now the survey drawing is showing something you weren’t expecting: an easement running straight through the middle of a metal building on your property. How in the world does this happen, and why did the surveyor have to show it?
The truth is, when you hire a surveyor, you’re hiring us to tell the full story of your property both the good and the not-so-good. Our job is to reveal exactly what exists on the ground and on record, whether it helps or hinders your plans. While it may feel frustrating now, it’s far better to uncover these issues early than to have them derail a future sale, lower your property’s value, or scare off a potential buyer.
How Do Easements Like This Even Happen?
Easements are very common and usually created when a larger property is divided into smaller lots. Cities and counties often require easements so utility companies can run water, sewer, gas, electricity, and communication lines. These easements serve an important purpose, but over the years, changes to property boundaries and construction can create some unusual (and inconvenient) situations.
In cases like the one described, it appears the property was originally split into two lots. Later, the property line was adjusted to give the house more side yard space. However, the easement along the original property line was never vacated or relocated. When the metal building was later constructed, the existing easement simply wasn’t considered.
What Does This Mean for You?
Finding an easement doesn’t always mean disaster. Just because an easement exists on paper doesn’t mean it’s actively in use. Often, there are no utility lines present at all. In these cases, it may be possible to petition the utility companies to vacate the easement. The process can be lengthy and requires cooperation from multiple parties, but it can be done.
Why Your Survey Matters
This is exactly why boundary surveys are so important. They uncover details that might otherwise remain hidden until they become a bigger, and more expensive problem. By identifying issues like misplaced easements now, you’ll have more options to resolve them before they affect your property’s value or sale.
Cardinal Surveying would like the opportunity to earn your business. They service the greater St Louis Metro area, have been rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau since 2003, have surveyed over 35,000 properties and are a family-owned company who prides themselves on producing accurate results with exceptional customer service. They can be contacted via email at inbox@cardinalsurveying.com or phone at 636.922.1001. They look forward to working with you for all your land surveying needs.