If you're a homeowner, you've likely encountered the age-old question of where exactly your property ends and your neighbor's begins. While it might seem straightforward to rely on fences or hedges as boundary markers, the reality is often more complex. Surveying plays a crucial role in determining property lines, and understanding lines of possession is key to avoiding disputes and ensuring you know what you own.

Thinking about becoming a Professional Land Surveyor? We have received quite a few questions regarding the overall requirements to obtain a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in Washington State by those new to the profession or thinking about entering the profession.

Junior and Senior Rights are terms used in boundary law. The guiding principle for Junior/Senior Rights is that the first owner gets full rights to what was conveyed to him or her, as stated in the description of the land in the deed or patent document.

Priority of calls are principles or guidelines that help surveyors resolve boundary disputes or uncertainties when there are conflicting elements.

Adverse possession (sometimes referred to as “land stealing”) is a legal doctrine under which a person can establish real estate ownership through consistent use (i.e. possession) of someone else’s property.

Before you look for a Land Surveyor you will want to figure out what you need them to do for you. The more specific you can be on your request, the better you will be able to compare costs between Surveyors. Most Surveyors will be glad to help guide you on what they recommend, based upon your needs, but here are some things to think about ahead of time that will help that conversation.

Buying a new home or a piece of land can be a stressful situation even if there aren’t any complications on the financial side. As Land Surveyors, we see many stressful and costly situations that could have been avoided, had the buyer had previous knowledge on what to look for when deciding on which home or land to buy and why something may appear to be a good deal, but should be avoided unless you understand the risks and potential costs.

Learn more about different types of surveys, how project costs are estimated and the unique expertise a Land Surveyor can provide.