Livingston Reporting - page 327

The Benefits Of A Fenced In Backyard

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

What benefits are there for homeowners to have a fenced in backyard?  This is a question many people ask themselves when looking at homes on the market with yards that are fenced in verse one that aren’t.  There are many great selling points about a home with a back yard fenced in. I always tell my buyers the same thing; it is a good thing the owner did it now you won’t have to.  Eventually people who buy homes in neighborhoods will install a fence.  It is just a matter of time.  If you happen to be the homeowner “without” a fence it is only because the neighbors installed theirs first enclosing your property in the process.

It is clear fencing is necessary when living in areas where many homes are built within close proximity to one another.  Really who wants to be outside enjoying time with their family only to have the intrusion of a neighbor’s backyard event?  Having a fence gives your yard its own space.  One of the main reasons I think fencing is a must have is for the privacy is allows you.  It is a physical boundary that shows your space verse the neighbors.  Privacy is at a premium in society today.  It is a luxury and should be preserved especially in your own backyard.

Another great feature fencing offers is controlled accessibility.  This is never truer than with home that have a swimming pool or hot tub in the backyard.  Adding a fence with a gate lock allows you to police the entrance of guests.  Pool safety is incredibly important.  The last thing any homeowner wants is to have a child drown in their backyard pool.  A tall pool fence with a locked gate will control the access into the pool area and allow for more peace of mind when little ones are playing.

Another great feature fencing offers is the deterring of unwanted pests and people into your yard.  Whether it is critters or a trespasser a fence is a barrier that will often deter them.  Why hit a house up that has obstacles when a house down the street offers up much easier access.  Not only does the fence keep critters and trespassers out but it also keeps your little critters in.  Children and pets, such as the family dog, will find it very difficult to leave the yard if a fence stands between them and the road.   Fencing offers a secure area for little ones to play safely away from the hazards of busy neighborhood roads.

Fencing is also an incredible aesthetic outdoor feature for your home and yard space.  Fencing comes in a variety of materials, colors and styles.  For ultimate privacy and security electronic gates and automatic gate openers can be installed.  These fences allow the utmost privacy and complete control over access into your space.  Often time’s electronic gates are installed with custom fencing that is eight to ten feet high.   If security is not the reason you are choosing a fence then perhaps aesthetics are. For this purpose fencing comes in several colors and a multitude of styles, heights and material choices.

Adding a fence to your home or upgrading an existing fence offer more value than what is visually seen.  Your needs will determine exactly what fence you choose for your backyard. My girlfriend for example added a chain link fence to the border of her backyard. At first the fence was installed as a barrier for the dog.  Years later they installed an in-ground pool and decided that a more secure fence was needed to secure the pool area.  They installed a wrought iron fence about five feet tall with a locking gate.  This fence provides safety keeping the pool area secure for when an adult is not outside. The chain link fence keeps people inside the space and the wrought iron fence keeps children and pets out of the pool.  Your fence must meet your family’s needs. A fence will only add values to your home and is an upgrade that will pay for itself.

SAC Fence

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Personalized Children’s Toys Alternatives To Generalized Gifts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

What do you purchase for a child in your life when they already have everything?  You might be thinking about all the gifts the child in your life would enjoy.  What about a personalized children’s gift.  Personalizing a present for a child in your life is one way to show them how important they are to you.  Making something theirs, and only theirs, by personalizing it with their name it allows them to stake claim to the item.  Who doesn’t love something they can say is all theirs?

Sometimes personalized children’s toys can also have the child’s birth date on it.  This is a special way to personalize a present that is being given as birthday present.  It is a keepsake.  A personalized present to a child will have more of an impact than a generalized present any day.

My favorite personalized children’s toy is not really a toy at all.  For every baby shower we attend the baby is given a toy box with their name inscribed on it.  I was given one for each of my children and it is a keepsake they will have forever.  I keep all of the items that mean the most stored in the box for them.  Now that they are growing up that silky blanket they wouldn’t let go of until they were a bit older needs a place to live.  As do the yearbooks, first soccer shirts, ballet slippers and ever sentimental thing mom’s and dad’s tend to keep forever.

Options in personalized children’s toys and furniture are endless.  Some common gifts include pillow cases, plates, silverware, play kitchens, black belt holders, stools and cozy comfy chairs & bean bags.  Personalized gifts are best for children ages two to about eight.  From there a bit of the appeal may be lost.

Children in this age group find something ultra appealing about to be able to tell and show the world that something it is there’s.  So children that find their name engraved or painted upon something it is just that much more theirs.  This was so true when it came to the personalized pillows that my husband and I had made for our kids.  In fact my thirteen year old still sleeps with hers!  Those pillow cases go on every sleepover they have.  It was such a terrific gift.  My son’s nickname is Bear and he loves soccer so his is all about that.  Our daughter is a softball player.  We knew it from the first tee ball game.  Her pillow case is personalized with softballs and her name.

Another great present is a blanket that is made and embroidered with the baby’s name, date of birth, time and weight.  This gift is one that will grow with them and most likely become a personalized favorite.  A personalized gift basket filled with things all about the child is also a great way to personalize a gift.  Say you have a soccer fanatic like mine.  A gift basket filled with everything soccer from stickers to coloring books make a terrific personalized child’s gift.

My Favorite Kids Toys

A Land Survey Is Critical To Buying Property

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is important to be informed no matter what you are proceeding with in life.  This is true from the little purchase such as a new car to the large ones like a new house.  Being informed is important for several reasons; it lets you make decisions based upon facts instead of pressure and it leads you to explore each piece of a puzzle before settling.  It is important to note that purchases where money is exchanged need to be thought about.  This is especially true when it comes to purchases that need to be financed.  Purchasing a home is the biggest decision of many people’s lives.  It is a must to involve professionals into the picture to clearly understand what your dollars are buying.  When purchasing any type of property a land surveyor is a professional to count on.

It is critical to have any land surveyed that you are intent on purchasing.  There are several reasons for this.  The first is quite critical; you want to protect the investment you are making.  You are entitled to know exactly what your dollars are purchasing.  As a purchaser you want to know of boundary lines, any encroachment issues and where the easements lay.

A land survey is advisable before a purchase is made to clear up any information about where your land is.  When you look into adding onto that new purchase or installing a fence it will be important to know exactly where your land starts and stops to avoid encroachment issues with the neighbors.  Many neighborhoods are adding special by laws in about the property amount in comparison to the size of the home and any out buildings. They want to maintain a natural appeal to the neighborhood keeping natural landscaping and maintaining a ration of lawn to non-lawn.  This helps prevent an eye soar on people’s property.

You will want to know exactly what you are getting for your buck with land surveying.  The cost associated with land surveying will depend a little upon the type of survey that needs to be completed, the land type and how much has already been documented in previous land surveys completed upon the parcel of property.  Many times in existing sub-divisions home buyers get lucky and there is already a substantial amount of information known about the parcel.  If this is the case you may get away with corner monument being verified or line stakes placed on the property lines.

If you are looking to cut costs in the land survey process you will want to find copies of the homes current title and deed.  If you have already made the purchase before the land survey, which is unadvisable, clearing brush along the proposed property lines helps on your own will help decrease fees.

When choosing a land surveyor you should base your decision upon the surveyor’s competency and experience. Ask to see examples of previous jobs and find out before you hire them if previous jobs they have done are similar to what you are asking them to do for you.  A good survey meets your needs and will help you legally if boundary lines are ever questioned.

It is important to be informed no matter what you are proceeding with in life.  This is true from the little purchase such as a new car to the large ones like a new house.  Being informed is important for several reasons; it lets you make decisions based upon facts instead of pressure and it leads you to explore each piece of a puzzle before settling.  It is important to note that purchases where money is exchanged need to be thought about.  This is especially true when it comes to purchases that need to be financed.  Purchasing a home is the biggest decision of many people’s lives.  It is a must to involve professionals into the picture to clearly understand what your dollars are buying.  When purchasing any type of property a land surveyor is a professional to count on.

It is critical to have any land surveyed that you are intent on purchasing.  There are several reasons for this.  The first is quite critical; you want to protect the investment you are making.  You are entitled to know exactly what your dollars are purchasing.  As a purchaser you want to know of boundary lines, any encroachment issues and where the easements lay.

A land survey is advisable before a purchase is made to clear up any information about where your land is.  When you look into adding onto that new purchase or installing a fence it will be important to know exactly where your land starts and stops to avoid encroachment issues with the neighbors.  Many neighborhoods are adding special by laws in about the property amount in comparison to the size of the home and any out buildings. They want to maintain a natural appeal to the neighborhood keeping natural landscaping and maintaining a ration of lawn to non-lawn.  This helps prevent an eye soar on people’s property.

You will want to know exactly what you are getting for your buck with land surveying.  The cost associated with land surveying will depend a little upon the type of survey that needs to be completed, the land type and how much has already been documented in previous land surveys completed upon the parcel of property.  Many times in existing sub-divisions home buyers get lucky and there is already a substantial amount of information known about the parcel.  If this is the case you may get away with corner monument being verified or line stakes placed on the property lines.

If you are looking to cut costs in the land survey process you will want to find copies of the homes current title and deed.  If you have already made the purchase before the land survey, which is unadvisable, clearing brush along the proposed property lines helps on your own will help decrease fees.

When choosing a land surveyor you should base your decision upon the surveyor’s competency and experience. Ask to see examples of previous jobs and find out before you hire them if previous jobs they have done are similar to what you are asking them to do for you.  A good survey meets your needs and will help you legally if boundary lines are ever questioned.

Monument Engineering

Distinguishing Your Home From The Neighbors Using An Automatic Gate and Fence

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The exterior of your home says as much about your home as the interior. That is why when it comes to the installation of a fence or automatic gate your choice is an important one.  You will want to go into the purchase with eyes wide open to the style, color and selection of the fence and gate system. These purchases all add up and turn your house into your home sanctuary.

It is also important to look into the gate operating systems and gate openers surrounding the installation of the gate.  This will determine how the gate operates.  Believe it or not it is important to determine if you want the electronic gate to swing open and closed or if it should slide. These are choices for you to make so that after the process is all said and done you don’t look back and wish for something different.

An automatic gate and fence create the barrier that separates your home and essentially you from the rest of the world.  They are the boundaries that create your space in comparison to the rest of the world. This boundary lends to the security you and your family feel when entering and exiting the home boundaries.  It will be one of the first things you notice when you have the electronic gate and fence installed-security.

Another neat feature many people don’t think about when purchasing a fence and or gate is how this single purchase differentiates them.  It makes your home easily identifiable amongst the sameness that surrounds us.  For instance, every time I describe where we live I always add in the description of the fence.  We are the only house on the right with a white picket fence.  This gives our home character as will the installation of an automatic security gate and fence system to your home.

Fences and gates have long been used to tie a home into its exterior.  This could never be truer than with the options available in fencing today.  The unity between the home and the yard instantly adds charm, character and most importantly the one thing we are constantly striving for, curb appeal.  Some homes, historical ones for instance, use the fence and gate style to reflect the period in which the home was established.  Carriage gates, stone fences or wrought iron for more contemporary styles.

The one thing a fence and automatic gate provide which to me is above and beyond the importance of the above described is privacy.  When we are in our home space what is the one thing we crave the most?  Personal space and privacy are the two things that immediately come to mind.  Depending on the amount of privacy or seclusion you are aiming for there is a fence to meet the need.  If you are looking for total seclusion add a ten foot privacy fence with an automatic gate entrance that is only accessed with homeowner approval.  You can accommodate any wish or desire in privacy with the installation of a fence and gate system.  What you decide is based upon only you.

SAC Fence

Finding The Perfect Personalized Children’s Gift

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I run into this dilemma every birthday and holiday season for our good friends; what do I buy their kids when they have everything?  They aren’t necessarily spoiled the problem is that there are four of them ranging in age from ten to two, boys and girls.  Literally every Barbie and Thomas the train item has been bought, train tables and doll house too.  I am at a loss every year. I hate having to ask their mom and dad what the “it” thing is to have for the year I find myself struggling for ideas.

I would love to give each of them something they would remember forever.  Not something they will play with, toss aside and forget who it was from.   That is my mission for this coming year.  The mission will begin in May with a little guy turning eleven and end at Christmas.  This year I am going to work at getting it right, a unique, personalized gift for each of them.

My focus needs to begin with Ben.  Eleven is a tricky age but lots of fun.  His new adventures have been in playing hockey.  I think perhaps a gift is not the best option.  No matter what personalized kid toy I would purchase he is likely to look at it, toss it aside and never think about it again.  So an experience it is.  With his new found skill in hockey his balance has become amazing so I am thinking it might be fun to try out a skate park.  I am looking into a private lesson for him and my son and a day at the skate park practicing their new skills.  This option gets him moving, is something different and a day out with a friend.

Next comes the birthday of the two littlest girls.  The oldest will be turning five and the youngest will be turning three.  For them I can easily see two different scenarios; painting or baking/decorating.  There are a few local places that we can take the girls where they would be able to pick out a piece of pottery and design and decorate it however they please.  It is something they would personalize themselves and could have forever.  If we did the baking/decorating idea I was thinking I would let them choose a cake, cake pops or cookies to make.  Then we would spend the day making them and buying different items to decorate them with.  I even thought we could add in decorating little kid aprons or ordering them personalized aprons in their favorite colors with their nicknames on them. Fun!

Next is the hardest of the four, the soon to be eight year old.  She is a bit harder to please.  I thought last Christmas I did a super job when I picked out all types of items for her pretend class room. See she loves to play pretend school just like my daughter did.  One thing we were always missing was the fun things like tracing paper, dry erase boards and markers, new crayons, pretend detention slips and all that fun stuff.  I could tell when she opened it the gift was not a hit at all.  Back to the drawing board I went in my thinking of great gifts.  I think this year with her we would both enjoy a day out doing a manicure and/or pedicure for her.  Maybe a day spent at the mall getting her makeup done.  She recently had her ears pierced so I think it would be ultra fun for her to get to pick out a fancy pair of earring as well.

Getting through their birthdays is my first personal mission in getting personalized kids toys or experiences this year.  Next we will move on to the Christmas season.  I think at that point I will need to dig deep down, maybe tickets to a hand on museum or zoo for the entire lot of them.  Something fun, memorable and able to be enjoyed by everyone involved.  That is what every gift giver aspires for – right?

My Favorite Kids Toys

Fire Safety Learned The Hard Way

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When we woke up to the sound of sirens and the site of flashing lights we were startled to say the least.  Our neighbor’s home had caught fire.  We instantly worried about their safety and of the safety of those fighting to save their home and possessions. We quickly realized that our neighbors were going to be fine however their home was a completely different story.

The damage was quite obvious the smoke, soot, fire and water ravaged the home.  The home was damaged internally as well externally.  The fire fighters did a terrific job at maintaining the fire to one end of the home.  Although this still did not prevent the smoke, soot and water damage from happening throughout the home.  The actual fire damage was minimized because they were able to cut the fire off at the pass and stop it from spreading further into the home.  With the fire damage done and the cleanup effort on it leaves other homeowners to think about the prevention of fires within the home.

In speaking with the fire department they offered several tips in fire prevention.  One tip being to add fire extinguishers to the kitchen and central locations throughout a home.  Although it is not recommended that homeowners try to battle large blazes on their own small fires that are reacted to quickly can be taken care of to prevent major loss.

Appliances throughout the home also carry the risk of fraying cords.  Check cords to larger appliances often.  If you have small animals it is recommended that they are regularly checked for damage caused from small animals gnawing on them.  The smallest fray or broken wire can create an arc spark.  Given the correct environment that small spark can create a potentially large disaster.

During the winter holiday keep Christmas trees well watered.  Another thing to watch out for is wear in the Christmas lights.  Lights are not in good working order and create a spark on a dry tree the results can be deadly.  Holidays and special events lead to the lighting of candles throughout the home.  Candles are a large source of fires starting within the home.  When having candles lit throughout the home make sure that they are extinguished before leaving the home, exiting a room or falling to sleep.  A lit candle can be disastrous.

Another great tip to preventing fires is smoke detectors.  Smoke detectors can sense the smoke before a fire starts.  The fire department will have a better chance at finding and putting gout the source of the fire before the blaze encompasses the entire home.  The thing about smoke detectors is that they only work for you if they are working.   Make sure to check the batteries on smoke detectors every six months to keep them in working order.  Have smoke alarms scattered throughout the home.  One should be placed in each room and in centrally located positions in the hallways and entrance areas.  Don’t forget the laundry room and basement areas too.

Maher

Home Alterations Seeking To Create Independence for Seniors and Handicap

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Independent living is a must for many seniors and physically challenged individuals.  When you are using a wheelchair to access a home or vehicle that is not designed for those purposes the challenges may be a bit overwhelming.  It is important that individuals build and put in place wheelchair access points with the use of ramps or lifts to ensure access for wheelchair users.

In order for bi-level access for wheelchair users wheelchair lifts are installed to make movement from one level to another simpler.  Chair lifts are also another option.  The disadvantage to this is that a wheelchair would need to be placed on each level.  This fixture allows total independence within the home for users of wheelchairs.

Another room that is often brought up when it comes to independent living and access in the home is the bathroom.  Privacy is a continued desire for individuals in wheelchairs or not.  Access independently is a must.  Showering, bathing, hygiene needs and toilet issues should all be accessed independently.  This is a freedom as caregivers that should never be compromised.  There is something liberating about caring for one’s self.  Many fixtures exist to help keep bathrooms accessible and safe.  Bathroom safety aids range from a threshold ramp to accommodate a variance in flooring to showers that individuals can roll directly into.  Counters are adjusted to fit the changing need, grab bars installed and high toilet put in to accommodate the different needs within the household environment.

The goal in home safety modifications such as wheelchair ramps and bathroom safety aids is to put individuals within the home in a comfortable, safe environment that is home to all occupants.  Ramps are a major area in providing home access to wheelchair users.  There are several different needs to fit the various uses one may be needed.

As mentioned earlier threshold ramps, the smallest of handicap wheelchair ramps, is the smallest of access ramps.  They are simple to use, easy to install and provide ease in transition between the doors and other raised areas.  They come in a variety of materials such as rubber, aluminum and wood.

Portable folding ramps are small, lightweight ramps similar to a threshold ramp.  These ramps are meant to collapse and be carried with individuals to help with access into rooms that have a small platform or areas with just one or two smaller steps.  Portable folding ramps can even be purchase for travel and put into a suitcase.  Technology advances are coming along in regards to access for individuals using wheelchairs.

Modular ramps are another option if an individual is looking for a fix that is permanent but that could easily move with them.  This is an option for more temporary, long term living arrangements that require a handicap wheelchair ramp access.

Options within the wheelchair ramp industry are abundant. A little research into a client’s situation and needs should give any handicap wheelchair ramp seller and installer a clear picture of the ramps that should be installed.  The freedom of mobility and independence is a gift caregivers can give to their loved ones with the use of a few well thought of home safety modifications such as bathroom safety aids and wheelchair ramps.

Accessible Alterations

Kitchen Renovations: Must Have Or Hassle?

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I walk into my home every day and am thankful for the roof over my head, the kids playing throughout the house and a husband cooking dinner.  Five thirty in this house is bliss.  It isn’t until I join my spouse in the kitchen that I start to get a bit discouraged.  The problem doesn’t lie within him or dinner or really anything that we can immediately change or control.  The problem is the outdated kitchen that surrounds us.

The problem started back when we moved in four years ago.  We decided to forgo kitchen renovations at the time and focus on structure and other mounting issues with the home.  The home came with updated appliance so we were ahead of the game but really the kitchen needs an upgrade.  As many homeowners know once you live in a space it becomes harder to envision any renovations taking place.

Renovations, especially kitchens and bathroom renovations disrupt the entire flow of life in a home.  When preparing for a renovation of this magnitude it is important to look at all aspects before jumping into the renovation.  It is important first to determine why a kitchen renovation is in the best interest of the home and family living within.

There are many reasons that kitchen renovations cannot be delayed.  If a kitchen area has been involved in any type of catastrophe such as flood or fire it is in the best interest of homeowners, once the damage is assessed to go forth with renovations. Another reason that renovations would no longer be able to be put off is for damage to a counter top in which a sink could no longer be held.  If the counter is gone it really doesn’t make sense not to go forward with the renovation process.

Going into a kitchen remodel it is best to be fully aware.  Kitchen renovations are expensive, time consuming and a large disruption to normal life.  It is best to determine if you, the homeowner, will be proceeding with the process or if the job is one that will require being hired out.  If you choose to do the renovations on your own it is important to remember that the time commitment is going to take more than a few days to complete.  To get a head start on the process it is important to have a solid plan of action, supplies purchased and a week’s vacation.  This should get you on your way to a great start for your kitchen remodel.

If you area homeowner that is fortunate to be able to hire a contractor take advantage of that. Hire a qualified, proven kitchen remodeler.  It is important to hire someone that can handle all aspects of the job.  If you have a contractor in charge of flooring and one cabinetry and one in painting then there are bound to be time issues.  This is to be avoided because the renovations alone will take enough time with everything operating as it should be.

The long and short of kitchen remodeling is to make sure it is something that you want as a homeowner bad enough to deal with the issues that go hand in hand with kitchen renovations.  If you are looking for a quick update a full remodel for the kitchen is not the answer.  At that point try a new paint color, refinish the cabinets or change up the counter tops and appliances.  Those items will give you a fresh looking kitchen without the expense and hassles involved with a full kitchen renovation.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Home Safety For Aging In Place

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The concept of aging makes many of us think about losing independence and moving to reliance on others.  This is no longer the case with increased age in place modifications to provide home safety for seniors and limited mobility, disabled, individuals.  Although nursing homes still exist it is not the idea that first flashes into the mind of aging seniors.  Independence, freedom and safety are all visions sought out and ideally funded on the principal of living in one’s home.  As caregivers it is important to grant independence to the loved ones we cherish while peace of mind is kept that the environment is safe and accessible for them.

Home modifications are best complete in progression with the age and needs of the clients.  We can all agree that the needs of a sixty-five year old senior are different from those of a one that is eighty-five.  It is also important to recognize limitations within each individual in response to mobility and ones abilities.  Home safety modifications are just the start to aging in place.  It is also important to ensure that basic independent living skills are still properly being administered for your loved ones to not only stay safe but healthy.

One major issue that comes to mind is self-care.  If an individual wishes to remain living independently they must be able to take care of their basic health needs.  Hygiene, restroom usage and bathing all become a bigger effort for aging individuals but one that is of utmost importance.  It is crucial to be able to care for one s self.

Another important matter is to discuss and deal with money matters.  They must still be empowered financially as it does take money to run a household.  Utilities will need to be paid and it is important that they are able to independently take care of this task to age in place.  It is important that they understand their banking statements, how to write a check and manage expenses.

Home skills are important as well.  Independent living entails one to be able to cook, clean and do laundry tasks.  Basic home management skills are critical to independent living.  Functions such as turning the stove off after a meal is prepared become a matter of safety and needs to still be able to be taken care of by the individuals.

Health care issues should be able to be met as well.  To independently live on one’s own they should be able to properly take medication, make and keep doctor’s appointments, even with the use of public transportation if needed, and be knowledgeable of their medical needs.  It is important that individuals know their insurance coverage and are able to retain the information making educated decisions about treatment needs.

Another area in home safety is not necessarily the modifications but the same as with young children; strangers and the need for secure information.   Independent living means knowing the dangers of telemarketing, home shopping channels and people coming to the door.  It is also important that they are able to get a hold of people in an emergency and that they are clearly able to speak their needs and where they are located.

The desire is for seniors and those facing challenges in the form of a disability to care for them independently and age in a safe, familiar place – home.  Keeping the freedoms that exist within the home environment is important and necessary to many.  As caregivers we like to keep their wants and desires in mind while maintaining safety.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

The Importance Of Surveying In Land Ownership

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There are many questions surrounding land surveying and its importance in the field of engineering.  Civil engineers are in need of the professional work of land surveyors on a regular basis.  When lines need to be drawn and precise access to be determined land surveyors are the professionals who are called upon.  The job that land surveyors do is one of the most historically important positions to hold.  Land lines and property boundaries are so important to our society, one based upon personal space and ownership.

What different types of land surveys are there?

This question is extremely important to when buying or selling a piece of property or home.  Land boundaries are important to potential buyers.  A survey of residential boundary will outline exactly where the property lines are from one corner of the property to another.  This will give a general border outline for the buyer to follow.  A survey of mortgage is used by lenders and professionals associated in the transaction end of a sale.  This is important to determine if any improvement such as landscaping, swimming areas, driveways or such have actually encroached upon a neighbor’s yard.   If this has happened it will delay the closing until rightful ownership can be determined and settled upon.  A land survey is important if looking at property along a cliff or major hillside.  A geological survey will help to determine the hazards associated with building in that area.

What does a land surveyor do?

It is important to note that land surveyors are professionals who need advanced education and experience to become licensed in state land surveying.  A land survey engineer is the individual who actually stakes out the boundaries of property and addresses concerns within residential boundaries such as encroachment.  Using historical property information and deeds, land surveyors, will map out the boundaries legally recording them for the future.

Land surveyors are extremely important when it comes to new construction, residential, commercial and industrial.  Without them there would never be a clear definition of ownership which would lead to unnecessary issues between the owners of the land.

When is a land survey necessary?

In the sale of land it is recommended to always have a land survey done.  This way the purchaser can know the exact amount of land being purchased and where the land is exactly.  Imagine purchasing a piece of property to build a home upon and realizing once the sale is finished that the access way to your property was actually owned by another individual.  Believe it or not this has happened.  Never guess or assume when it comes to a purchase of this magnitude.

Another reason to do a land survey is during home improvements.  It is important that homeowners respect the neighbor’s boundary lines.  When it comes to adding a pool, a fire pit, deck or any improvement that moves close to another’s property have a land surveyor out to measure and ensure the improvement is not on their property.  You don’t want to end up in Hatfield verse McCoy feud over a home improvement.

It is easy to see the value of land survey engineers.  Simply stated they are the individuals that give legal rights to land ownership making sure what I claim to be mine is and what is your is yours saving years of feuding.  Believe it or not this happened when we purchased our home.  Many people had used the adjacent property as a park and entrance to the river our home sat on.  After reviewing the historical records it was found that in fact the property went with the home and the owner let the community use it.  With two small children that was not happening anymore and legally, thanks to our land surveyor, we could put an end to the trespassing.  This actually made our neighbors love us that much more.

SRCMI