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🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial ----------------------------- No. 006 One of the most common phrases surveyors hear is: "Well the GIS says..." And why do we dread those words? The short answer is simple: GIS maps are not intended to locate property boundaries and should never be relied upon to determine ownership or the location of a property line. In fact, most county GIS websites require users to acknowledge a disclaimer stating that the information displayed is approxi

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial ----------------------------- No. 004 Installing a new fence can improve privacy, security, and curb appeal, but before you start digging post holes, it's important to know exactly where your property lines are located. One of the most common misconceptions homeowners have is assuming an existing fence, tree line, or mowed area represents the property boundary. In reality, these features are often located inside or outside the actual proper

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial -------------------------------- Getting Started When most people hear the term land surveyor, they picture someone searching for property corners or marking boundary lines. While boundary surveys are certainly an important part of the profession, they represent only one of many services surveyors provide. Today's land surveyors combine legal research, field measurements, advanced technology, and professional judgment to support property ow

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial -------------------------------- Getting Started Whether you're purchasing property, planning construction, dividing land, or resolving a boundary question, hiring the right land surveyor is one of the most important decisions you can make. The quality of the survey can impact your project for years to come, making it worth taking the time to choose a qualified professional. Here are a few things to consider before hiring a surveying firm.

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial -------------------------------- Getting Started If you've never hired a land surveyor before, you may not know where to begin. No worries! We're here to help. While you don't need to have every detail figured out before reaching out, having a few pieces of information available can help your surveyor better understand your project and provide the most accurate guidance. Here are some of the most helpful things to have before making that fi

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial ----------------------------- No. 005 Few property issues create more frustration than discovering a fence, shed, driveway, or other structure that appears to cross a property line. One of the most common questions surveyors hear is: "My neighbor's fence looks like it's on my property. What should I do?" The answer may not be as straightforward as it seems. Before taking action, it is important to understand where the actual property bounda

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial ---------------------------------- No. 003 If you're planning to build a home, garage, addition, fence, driveway, or other improvement, you may be wondering whether a land survey is really necessary. Technically, you can often obtain permits and begin construction without a new survey depending on the location and circumstances. However, choosing to build without knowing exactly where your property boundaries are located can create signific

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial -------------------------------- No. 001 If you're buying or selling property in North Carolina, you may be wondering whether a land survey is required. The short answer is: not always—but it is often a good idea. While many real estate transactions are completed without a new survey, there are situations where obtaining one can help prevent costly surprises and provide peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. Is a Survey Required in Nort

🦅Perspective by Hawkins Geospatial -------------------------------- No. 002 One of the first questions property owners ask when they need a survey is: "How much will it cost?" Closely followed by: "How long will it take?" The answer depends on several factors, including the type of survey, the size of the property, available records, terrain conditions, and the complexity of the project. Understanding what affects the cost and timeline can help set realistic expectations and