Boundary Surveys
A boundary survey finds your property lines and corners, marks them on the ground, and shows on a map what's on or near those lines: your fence, the neighbor's shed, the driveway that wanders over.
Who needs one, and when
Putting up a fence
Most municipalities hold the owner responsible for building on their own side of the line. A survey takes the guesswork out.
A disagreement with a neighbor
A licensed surveyor's findings are the starting point for settling where the line really is.
Buying a home
See exactly what you're buying, and catch encroachments before closing instead of after.
Building an addition, garage, or pool
Setbacks are measured from the lot line. Your permit may require a survey.
What's included
- Records research: deeds, plats, and earlier surveys on file with the county
- Field work to find existing corner markers
- Setting new markers where corners are missing
- Locating buildings, fences, and other improvements near the lines
What you receive
- Marked corners on the ground
- A signed and sealed plat of survey (the map)
- Any encroachments or conflicts noted on the map
- A copy filed with the county, as Wisconsin law requires
Process and timeline
Request and quote
Send us the address and what's going on. We'll confirm the right survey and give you a price.
Typical: 1 to 2 days
Records research
We pull deeds, plats, and earlier surveys, including the county surveyor's files.
Typical: ___ days
Field work
A two-person crew measures the property and finds or sets the corner markers.
Typical: Half a day for most lots
Map and markers delivered
You get the signed plat of survey, and the corners are marked.
Typical: ___ days after field work
What affects the cost
- Lot size, shape, and terrain
- How many corners are missing and have to be reset
- How clear the legal description and records are
- Trees, brush, snow, and season
- How quickly you need it
Typical price range
$___ to $___
Every property is different. Call us with the address and we'll give you a firm quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a survey to put up a fence?
It's strongly recommended, and some communities require one. Municipalities generally won't locate your lot line for you, and if the fence ends up on your neighbor's land, it's your problem to fix.
How do I find my property line?
Look for the iron corner markers, usually pipes or bars set flush with the ground. If you can't find them, or aren't sure they're the right ones, a licensed surveyor can locate and verify them. County GIS maps and phone apps can be off by many feet.
How long does a boundary survey take?
Most residential boundary surveys take ___ to ___ weeks from request to finished map, depending on records research and our field schedule.
How much does a boundary survey cost?
Most residential boundary surveys run $___ to $___. Larger, wooded, or irregular parcels cost more. Call with the address and we'll give you a firm quote.
What do the survey markers mean, and can I move them?
The iron pipes or bars mark your property corners. Please don't move or remove them. Disturbing a survey monument is against Wisconsin law, and replacing one costs money.
Ready to find your property lines?
Send us the address and a little about what's going on. We'll get back to you with a quote, usually within a day or two.