4 Common Questions Homeowners Ask About Land Surveys (And the Answers They Actually Need)

Are you wondering if you need a land survey before building a fence, buying a home, or starting a remodel? You’re not alone. Homeowners throughout Utah regularly reach out with important questions about property boundaries, survey types, and what to expect during the process.

At Aegis Land Surveying, we believe the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel about your property decisions. Here are four of the most common questions we receive from homeowners—along with the answers that can help you avoid costly mistakes and stay legally protected.

1. Do I need a land survey before building a fence, shed, or home addition?

Absolutely.

Whether you're installing a fence, pouring a new driveway, or adding to your home, a boundary survey will confirm exactly where your property lines are. Building without a survey can lead to encroachments, property line disputes, and even forced removal of structures. A survey is the best way to protect your investment—and your relationships with neighbors.

2. Can I use an old survey or my neighbor’s property plat?

It’s not recommended.

An older survey may not reflect current conditions, improvements, or accurate title information. And using a survey from a neighboring property—even one that appears similar—can be misleading and result in inaccurate assumptions. Every land survey is unique to the specific parcel of land it was created for. When in doubt, request an updated, professional survey.

3. What does a residential land survey show?

More than just lines on a map.

Depending on your project, a property survey may include:

• Exact property boundaries and corner markers

• Easements, setbacks, and right-of-way locations

• Existing improvements (fences, driveways, buildings)

• Topographic information (elevation changes)

• Possible encroachments or inconsistencies with the legal description

Whether you need a boundary survey, topographic survey, or ALTA/NSPS survey, our team can help you determine the right type for your situation.

4. How long does a land survey take in Utah?

Most residential land surveys are completed within 1–2 weeks.

The process includes:

• Research of records, plats, and deeds

• Fieldwork to collect accurate measurements

• Drafting of the survey map and legal documentation

• Final delivery of a certified drawing

If you're working on a timeline, we can often accommodate your schedule with advance notice. We recommend reaching out early so we can reserve time on our calendar.

Final Thoughts

Getting a land survey isn’t just a formality—it’s a crucial part of protecting your property rights and planning your improvements. If you're planning to build, buy, or settle a property boundary issue, reach out to a licensed land surveyor in your area.

At Aegis Land Surveying, we proudly serve homeowners across Salt Lake County, Utah County, Tooele, and beyond. Contact us today to get a free consultation or request a quote.