What Anderson & Associates Land Surveying Does and When You Need Them

Anderson & Associates handles property lines, boundary disputes, and survey work across South Carolina

Anderson & Associates Land Surveying is a South Carolina-based firm that performs boundary surveys, property line identification, and related surveying services. They work with homeowners, developers, and commercial property owners who need to know exactly where their property lines sit, resolve disputes with neighbors, or prepare land for construction or sale.

The firm operates within South Carolina's surveying regulations, which require that anyone marking property boundaries or creating official survey documents hold a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license from the state. Anderson & Associates meets these requirements and can produce the formal survey documents that banks, title companies, and local governments recognize and accept.

Whether you're buying a home, building a fence, settling a boundary question, or preparing commercial land for development, understanding what a surveying firm does and when to contact them can save time and prevent costly mistakes later.

Key Takeaways

• Anderson & Associates performs boundary surveys that identify exact property lines using professional equipment and state-licensed surveyors.
• A professional survey is often required by lenders before you can close on a home purchase or refinance a mortgage.
• If you and a neighbor disagree about where your property line sits, a survey from a licensed firm creates a legal record that can resolve the dispute.
• Before building a fence, deck, or addition, a survey confirms you're building on your own land and not encroaching on a neighbor's property.
• The cost and timeline for a survey depend on the property size, terrain, and whether old survey records exist for your land.

When to contact a surveying firm

You typically need a professional survey in specific situations. If you're buying a home, your lender may require one before closing—this protects the bank by confirming the property boundaries match the deed description. Title companies also sometimes request surveys to clear up unclear boundary lines before insuring the property.

Boundary disputes with neighbors are another common reason. If you and an adjacent property owner disagree about where the line between your properties sits, a professional survey creates an official record that both parties and local authorities recognize. This can prevent the dispute from escalating and gives you a documented basis if legal action becomes necessary.

Before you build anything—a fence, deck, shed, or home addition—a survey tells you exactly where your property line sits. Building over the line onto a neighbor's land can result in having to tear down what you built, legal liability, or a forced easement agreement. A survey costs far less than removing a fence or addition later.

Developers and commercial property owners often need surveys before subdividing land, applying for permits, or preparing sites for construction. Local governments typically require a professional survey as part of the permitting process.

What a boundary survey includes

A professional boundary survey documents the exact location of your property lines using specialized equipment, field measurements, and existing public records. The surveyor reviews the original deed, previous surveys if they exist, and public records at the county assessor's office and courthouse. They then physically visit the property and use surveying instruments to measure and mark the corners and edges of your land.

The final product is a formal survey document—called a plat or survey map—that shows your property boundaries, dimensions, and location relative to roads and neighboring properties. This document includes the surveyor's professional seal and signature, which means it meets South Carolina's legal standards and can be recorded with the county or presented to lenders and title companies.

The survey also typically notes any visible encroachments (structures that cross the boundary line), easements (rights others have to use part of your land), or other features that affect the property's usable area. This information is crucial if you're buying, selling, or planning construction.

How property records and old surveys affect the timeline

The time it takes to complete a survey depends partly on whether clear records already exist. If your property has been surveyed before and those records are on file at the county, the surveyor can reference them and may complete the work faster. If records are unclear, missing, or contradictory, the surveyor has to do more research and fieldwork to establish the correct boundaries.

Terrain also matters. A survey of a flat, open lot in a developed area typically takes less time than surveying wooded land, steep terrain, or a property with unclear historical boundaries. Weather can also affect scheduling—surveyors may need to wait for better conditions to access the property or take accurate measurements.

Most surveys take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks from the time you contact the firm to the time you receive the final document. Urgent requests may be possible but typically cost more. It's worth asking Anderson & Associates about their current timeline when you first contact them.

Understanding survey costs

Survey costs vary based on property size, complexity, location, and how much research is needed. A straightforward residential lot survey typically costs less than a large commercial property or a parcel with unclear historical boundaries. Rural properties may cost more because they require more fieldwork and travel time.

Before hiring a surveyor, ask for a written estimate that breaks down what's included—the fieldwork, the plat document, research time, and any additional services. Some firms charge by the hour; others charge a flat fee for standard surveys. If your property is unusually complex or requires extensive research, the cost will reflect that.

Many lenders and title companies have preferred surveyors they work with, and some may even recommend specific firms. It's worth asking whether Anderson & Associates works with your lender or title company, as this can streamline the process and ensure the final document meets their specific requirements.

How to contact Anderson & Associates

To get your free guide, contact Anderson & Associates directly with information about your property—its location, size, and what you need the survey for. Have your deed or property address ready, as this helps them give you an accurate estimate and timeline.

Be prepared to describe what triggered the need for a survey: Are you buying a home? Building something? Resolving a boundary question? This context helps the surveyor understand what level of detail you need and whether any special research or fieldwork is required.

Ask about their experience with properties similar to yours and whether they've worked with your lender or title company before. Also confirm their licensing status and ask how long they typically take for your type of project.

What happens after you receive the survey

Once Anderson & Associates completes your survey, you'll receive the official plat document with the surveyor's seal and signature. This document is what lenders, title companies, and local governments recognize as proof of your property boundaries.

If you're buying a home, you'll provide this to your lender and title company as part of closing. If you're building, you'll likely need to show it to your local building permit office. If you're resolving a boundary dispute, you can share it with your neighbor and, if necessary, with an attorney or mediator.

Keep the original survey document in a safe place—you may need it again if you sell the property, refinance, or make future improvements. Many people store it with their deed and other property documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a survey before building a fence?

It's strongly recommended. A survey confirms you're building on your own land and not encroaching on your neighbor's property. If you build without one and the fence crosses the line, you may have to remove it or face legal action. The cost of a survey is far less than the cost of tearing down a fence or dealing with a lawsuit.

How long does a survey take?

Most surveys take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on property size, terrain, and whether existing records are clear. Simple residential lots may be faster; complex or rural properties may take longer. Ask Anderson & Associates for a timeline estimate when you contact them.

Can I use an old survey instead of getting a new one?

It depends on how old it is and what you need it for. Lenders and title companies often require a current survey, especially if significant time has passed or if the property has changed. An old survey may be useful for reference, but a new one is usually necessary for legal or financial transactions.

What if the survey shows my neighbor's fence is on my property?

The survey documents the encroachment, but it doesn't automatically remove the fence. You can discuss it with your neighbor, ask them to move it, or consult an attorney about your options. Many neighbors work out agreements once a professional survey clarifies the actual boundary.

Is a survey required to sell my home?

It's not always legally required, but buyers and their lenders often request one. Having a current survey can speed up the sale and reduce buyer concerns about boundary issues. Ask your real estate agent whether a survey is expected in your local market.