1. What types of surveys do you perform?
Apgar Associates is fully licensed and insured to perform many types of surveys. We can provide boundary, location, topographic and real estate closing surveys. Additionally we have extensive experience with ALTA/ACSM and S.A.D.C. surveys.
2. My architect has requested a topographic survey. Why is this necessary when I just had my property surveyed at closing?
A boundary survey provides information about the shape, size and property lines. In order to file permits for any improvements to a property (i.e.: a pool, cabana, home addition etc..) your architect or landscape architect needs an accurate measurement of all visible improvements such as buildings, driveways, landscape features. Additionally a topographic survey will provide your professionals with vital information about the contours and slopes of the land. A topographic survey can also provide important information about lot coverage and how much more impervious coverage is available for potential improvements. A topographic survey works in concert with a boundary survey.
3. How much will it cost to survey my property?
In order to give an accurate estimate we need some information to start with. A copy of the deed or previous survey is the best sources of that information. Typically our staff works on an hourly basis. We will be able to provide you with a “not to exceed” estimate before work begins. Boundary surveys can be relatively inexpensive, if the original monuments exist at the mapped positions. The cost goes up depending upon the availability of original monuments or the complexities involved in establishing those monuments. A heavily vegetated or fully landscaped property will increase the cost of a survey.
4. My neighbor put a fence up and it’s on my property. Now what?
In order to settle property line disputes it is necessary to perform a boundary survey. If the property in question has been surveyed recently and you have a signed and sealed copy of that survey, we can use that survey to mark and stake the property lines in question.
5. I’ve gotten several estimates to survey my property and they are all over the map. How do I choose a surveyor?
While it’s tempting to go with the lowest estimate you receive, buyers beware. Your survey serves as a legal description of the property you are buying or already own. Make sure the surveyor you hire has experience, is licensed by the State of New Jersey and is covered by a Professional Liability Policy. A Land Surveyor’s job is to locate the position of the boundary in the same location as established by the original creating surveyor. Older parcels can require a great deal of research and analysis to determine when the parcel was created and what surveys have taken place that may have perpetuated the original evidence. The survey and legal description that are filed with the county at closing is the official boundary of your property. In a property line dispute it is this legal description that is used to settle these matters. If an error is made you may not be buying what you think you are buying and it can be complicated and expensive to undo what was not done properly the first time.
6. My insurance carrier is requiring an Elevation Certificate. Is this really necessary?
An elevation Certificate is used to determine the elevation of a building or parcel of land within flood hazard zones established by FEMA. Elevation Certificates are used by the insurance industry to determine insurance rates and by City and County agencies to make certain that new building construction is above flood elevation for that area. Apgar Associates has extensive experience in flood mapping and can assist you with obtaining an Elevation Certificate.
7. We have sold our house and our septic system has failed. What happens next?
Apgar Associates will start by performing an inspection of the current system. If it is determined that the system has failed we can help to design and implement a new system that meets current standards and local code for sewage disposal systems. A survey will be performed to locate and mark the existing system as well as identify potential locations for the new system. A licensed engineer analyzes the possible locations and determines the type of septic system that can be installed within the confines of the property. One the site is determined; soil testing will be performed to ensure the necessary drainage is achievable. We will then design the septic system and apply for the necessary municipal permits. Once permits are issued our surveying staff will stake out the disposal bed and assist your excavator. We will provide the necessary inspections and certification required by the municipality. One the system is installed and completed we will return to provide an As-built survey that will certify that the system that was designed and approved is also the system that was installed. The process can be lengthy and expensive. A septic system that is not designed accurately and within local guidelines can cause flooding, back-ups and unsafe and unsanitary conditions for you and your neighbors. Hiring an experience, licensed and insured engineer is vital to the success of this type of project.
Apgar Associates is fully licensed and insured to perform many types of surveys. We can provide boundary, location, topographic and real estate closing surveys. Additionally we have extensive experience with ALTA/ACSM and S.A.D.C. surveys.
2. My architect has requested a topographic survey. Why is this necessary when I just had my property surveyed at closing?
A boundary survey provides information about the shape, size and property lines. In order to file permits for any improvements to a property (i.e.: a pool, cabana, home addition etc..) your architect or landscape architect needs an accurate measurement of all visible improvements such as buildings, driveways, landscape features. Additionally a topographic survey will provide your professionals with vital information about the contours and slopes of the land. A topographic survey can also provide important information about lot coverage and how much more impervious coverage is available for potential improvements. A topographic survey works in concert with a boundary survey.
3. How much will it cost to survey my property?
In order to give an accurate estimate we need some information to start with. A copy of the deed or previous survey is the best sources of that information. Typically our staff works on an hourly basis. We will be able to provide you with a “not to exceed” estimate before work begins. Boundary surveys can be relatively inexpensive, if the original monuments exist at the mapped positions. The cost goes up depending upon the availability of original monuments or the complexities involved in establishing those monuments. A heavily vegetated or fully landscaped property will increase the cost of a survey.
4. My neighbor put a fence up and it’s on my property. Now what?
In order to settle property line disputes it is necessary to perform a boundary survey. If the property in question has been surveyed recently and you have a signed and sealed copy of that survey, we can use that survey to mark and stake the property lines in question.
5. I’ve gotten several estimates to survey my property and they are all over the map. How do I choose a surveyor?
While it’s tempting to go with the lowest estimate you receive, buyers beware. Your survey serves as a legal description of the property you are buying or already own. Make sure the surveyor you hire has experience, is licensed by the State of New Jersey and is covered by a Professional Liability Policy. A Land Surveyor’s job is to locate the position of the boundary in the same location as established by the original creating surveyor. Older parcels can require a great deal of research and analysis to determine when the parcel was created and what surveys have taken place that may have perpetuated the original evidence. The survey and legal description that are filed with the county at closing is the official boundary of your property. In a property line dispute it is this legal description that is used to settle these matters. If an error is made you may not be buying what you think you are buying and it can be complicated and expensive to undo what was not done properly the first time.
6. My insurance carrier is requiring an Elevation Certificate. Is this really necessary?
An elevation Certificate is used to determine the elevation of a building or parcel of land within flood hazard zones established by FEMA. Elevation Certificates are used by the insurance industry to determine insurance rates and by City and County agencies to make certain that new building construction is above flood elevation for that area. Apgar Associates has extensive experience in flood mapping and can assist you with obtaining an Elevation Certificate.
7. We have sold our house and our septic system has failed. What happens next?
Apgar Associates will start by performing an inspection of the current system. If it is determined that the system has failed we can help to design and implement a new system that meets current standards and local code for sewage disposal systems. A survey will be performed to locate and mark the existing system as well as identify potential locations for the new system. A licensed engineer analyzes the possible locations and determines the type of septic system that can be installed within the confines of the property. One the site is determined; soil testing will be performed to ensure the necessary drainage is achievable. We will then design the septic system and apply for the necessary municipal permits. Once permits are issued our surveying staff will stake out the disposal bed and assist your excavator. We will provide the necessary inspections and certification required by the municipality. One the system is installed and completed we will return to provide an As-built survey that will certify that the system that was designed and approved is also the system that was installed. The process can be lengthy and expensive. A septic system that is not designed accurately and within local guidelines can cause flooding, back-ups and unsafe and unsanitary conditions for you and your neighbors. Hiring an experience, licensed and insured engineer is vital to the success of this type of project.