What is a Land Survey?
A land survey is performed by a registered land surveyor for the purpose of describing, monumenting and mapping the boundaries and corners of a parcel of land.  It may also include the design and layout of new lots and streets, the determination of the physical features of the land parcel, and the location of buildings and other improvements upon the land.  The surveyor must interpret the intention of the deed and other pertinent documents.

How do I secure the services of a land surveyor?
All land surveys in Wisconsin must be performed by a land surveyor who is registered to practice in the state.  They are generally listed in the phone book.  The State of Wisconsin department of regulation and licensing regulates them.  Their address is PO Box 8935 Madison, WI  53708-8935.  There is a statewide listing at the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors. 

What is the difference between a mortgage inspection and a survey?
Generally a mortgage inspection is part of the “closing” costs of a property transaction.  Most people believe they pay and receive a land survey.  This is not so.  Most lending institutions wave most of the administrative surveying requirements from the mortgage inspection.  Thus the inspection generally will not determine or locate property lines or encroachments.  The primary purpose of the mortgage inspection is to ensure that the major improvements are located on the land so that in the event of a foreclosure all major and improvements can be secured.  The lending institution is not concerned with fence encroachments and the like because the dollar value is just a small part of the loan.

Due to the amount of work involved in mortgage inspections versus a “real” survey, the costs are substantially different and so are the results.  Never use a mortgage inspection map to add improvements.

How much will a survey cost?
The cost of a survey is based on the time required to obtain the necessary information of record, to make the field survey of facts as they exist on the ground, to perform the required office computations leading to a plat or map of the findings, and to monument the lines on the ground. Also affecting cost is weather conditions, the availability of existing records and monuments, and the type of terrain.

What will the private land surveyor do for me?
The surveyor will study your deed and show you what, in his professional opinion, the records and facts indicate the boundaries of your land to be.  The surveyor will prepare a plat or map of your property, indicating the measurements made, the monuments placed, and the computed acreage. It will be filed with the County Surveyor within 60 days of completion.

What will the county surveyor do for me?
The County Surveyor performs many duties that directly and indirectly affect landowners.  The charter contains a detailed listing of the activities and duties.