Surveyor Rant

[coralhead]

A lot of the replies actually show the content of your characters. The nails are marked with guard stakes to show where they are. How did you know that the surveyor was finished with his work? Field work and office work go hand in hand and when the reference marks are removed then the work needs to be restated. Why does it cost so much to get a survey? You guys answered the question. My Rant

 

[dodge man]

Maybe I'll take one for the team and let you guys circle around me and beat me to death with baseball bats. All I can do is give you my perspective on it. There are a lot of organizations that get the same rap, utility companies, assessors, road commissioners, hunters etc. that are accused of not respecting people’s property. I can tell I'm not really going to say anything that will make you feel better but I feel the need to explain my profession and defend it.

 

[Thall303]

Worked with and around surveyors all my life.

Good people doing good work.

Some of you need to lighten up and get a life.

 

[T_e_r_r_y]

Dodgeman, Isn't it against the law to disturb or "annoy" any survey marker? I have one just 2' off the southwest corner of my garage,
6' from the center of the alley. Talked to city manager, didn't know anything. Called surveyor in next town, he said pin for corner of alley.
Going to let sleeping pins lie. Unless something comes up.

T. J.

 

[Clay45]

Once a property has been surveyed it should never need to be surveyed again unless being split or combined with adjoining property and a new platte required. Any adjoining properties should be entitled to a copy at no charge over and over again each time the ownership changes.

 

[dodge man]

As far as I know, and I'm sure it varies by state, but its against the law to tear out a property corner. Traverse points? Probably not against the law.

In theory, once a property is surveyed it shouldn't need it again. The problem is corners get knocked out, landowners don't show the new owners where the pins are etc. Share my work with adjoining land owners? Thats really up to the person I'm working for. In Illinois you aren't required to record surveys. I will say that most times I'm willing to show the adjoiners what I did unless the person I'm working for would forbid it, and I don't like to work for people like that.

 

[TractorGuy]

These nails were some sort of reference. Not an official marker. They were left 20 feet from the clearly visible concrete corner markers that have been in place for 35+ years. Only the surveyor would know what they meant but my guess is it was more convenient for him to come on my property where he has a clear line of sight than to remain on the property he was hired to survey.

I'm not some sort of extremist that would resort to revenge but I want to find out who the surveyor was and give them a piece of my mind. And further note I would never do business with anyone that has no respect for my personal property.

I also note the surveyors responding in this thread are defending the azzwipe that left these behind.

 

[TractorGuy]

I also know there are reputable, respectful surveyors. The company I hired left NO evidence they were there other than to place or mark the permanent corners. They even looked up and provided easement information for me 30 years after I paid them at no charge.

 

[dodge man]

I'm pretty sure you are correct, he set up on your property because it was easier. I'm not defending him, I'm just explaining it. There is a pretty good chance I would have done the same thing. Call him up and tell him how you feel, it might make you feel better.

I'll tell you how I feel. The nail might upset you and I get that in theory they could ruin a tire. I think you are upset that they went on your property without asking. Some states require notice, meaning they have to at least try and contact you. Thank goodness Illlinois isn't one of those states. It can be almost impossible to find land owners. If I'm working near someones house and I can see they are home, I almost always tell them what I'm doing and who for. If there isn't anybody home, I keep on working.

I hate to say it out loud, but when you realize as a private property owner your property isn't so private, you will be more understanding. They can come on your property to put a new meter in. They can take your property to build a road. They can force you to give an easement for utilities. Depending on your county, they can tell you how to put up a building, how far it has to be from a property line, they can even tell you what you can and can't do on your property. Do you get upset when the UPS guys drops a package at your door?

It was just a surveyor doing his job. Was he inconsiderate? Maybe. Did he break the law? Probably not but it depends on your state laws. Should he have pulled his nails? Like someone else said, mabye he wasn't done. Surveyors tend to be a pretty proud independant group of guys. If you call the guy, don't start out hating the guy or thats probably what you will get back at you. Just tell him your upset he left his nails behind and why it bothers you. You'll probably find out he is a pretty good guy.

 

[CobyRupert]

A lot of the replies actually show the content of your characters. The nails are marked with guard stakes to show where they are. How did you know that the surveyor was finished with his work? Field work and office work go hand in hand and when the reference marks are removed then the work needs to be restated. Why does it cost so much to get a survey? You guys answered the question. My Rant

Somebody comes onto your property and puts in sharp pointed nails sticking up? If my equipment, animals, family or myself gets injured they will surely see the content of my character.
They don't get to roll the dice with MY health, time and money. (I can do that very well myself, thank you)

That being said I should note I have nothing against surveyors, most are very professional, why in fact "some of my best friends are surveyors"