FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What areas of Georgia do you service?

We service all of the Atlanta metropolitan area for commercial surveys (ALTA) and most of the southeast side of Atlanta for residential surveys. Our predominant counties we work in are Rockdale, Newton, Walton, Henry, Morgan and Jasper.

What type of survey do I need?

There are several types of surveys from boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys to residential lot surveys. Most surveys requested are residential lot surveys. However, there are multiple services we provide on lot surveys including marking property corners, staking property lines and platting the property. When requesting a quote, please specify what services you would like to have performed.

What is the difference in marking property corners and staking property lines?

Marking property corners consist of locating or setting the boundary corners for the property and placing a wooden stake beside the corner. Staking property lines consist of cutting out the property lines and placing wooden stakes every 50-100 feet apart so the location of the boundary is evident on the ground. Staking property lines is more intensive than locating property corners and is an additional cost in surveying the property. Most fence companies require the property lines be staked prior to installing a fence.

What is a property corner?

A property corner is the actual location of the boundary corner and could consist of different types of material. Most property corners are metal and are a metal rebar. Also, most property corners are flush with the ground or just below the ground surface.

Will the survey show any discrepancies or encroachments on my property?

Yes, if a plat is requested. All discrepancies and/or encroachments will be shown on the survey plat.

What is a plat?

A plat is a drawing of the property showing the location of the boundary and all improvements located on the property.

How long does it take to complete a survey?

The length of time it takes to complete a survey depends on several factors. These factors include size of property being surveyed, backlog of existing projects prior to initial survey request and weather restraints. If you need to have a survey sooner than quoted, we possibly could provide an expedited service for an additional fee if requested.

Do you provide a deed of the property?

An attorney can prepare and provide a deed of the property. We can provide a written legal description of the property if requested to give to your attorney. Legal descriptions are an additional fee.

Do you have insurance?

Patrick & Associates, Inc. carries general commercial liability workman’s compensation and professional liability insurance.

What is an elevation certificate and do I need flood insurance?

An elevation certificate is a form that shows the vertical difference between the flood elevation and structures (house, building, etc…) located on the property. Your mortgage company will determine from the elevation certificate weather or not flood insurance will be required.

What is a topographic survey or topo?

A topographic survey is a vertical map showing the elevation or terrain of the property. We provide ground run topographical surveys and LIDAR maps.

What is an ALTA survey?

Title Insurers have specific needs related to title insurance matters, and when asked to provide an insurance policy The American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), have a set of standards that governs land surveys as a reference for title professionals, lenders and the issuance of title insurance coverage. This is called an ALTA Survey. The ALTA Survey is a detailed land parcel map, showing all existing improvements of the property, utilities, and significant observations within the insured estate. The survey also details the licensed surveyor's findings concerning the property boundaries and how they relate to the title.