Arrow North Surveying: What They Do and When You Need Them
Arrow North Surveying handles property lines, boundary disputes, and land documentation across South Carolina
Arrow North Surveying is a licensed surveying firm that works with property owners, developers, and real estate professionals to establish and verify property boundaries, create survey documents, and resolve disputes about where one property ends and another begins. They perform the fieldwork and produce the official records that show exactly what land you own or are buying.
If you are buying property, refinancing a home, building a fence, or dealing with a neighbor's claim about a boundary line, a surveyor from Arrow North can measure the land, research the original deed and plat records, and produce documentation that holds up in court or with lenders. Their work becomes part of your property's permanent record.
Key Takeaways
- Arrow North Surveying produces official boundary surveys and property documentation that lenders and courts recognize.
- You typically need a survey before closing on a property purchase, when refinancing, or when a boundary dispute arises with a neighbor.
- Surveyors research deed records and historical plats alongside fieldwork to establish accurate property lines.
- Survey costs and timelines vary depending on property size, terrain, and how much historical research is needed.
When to hire Arrow North Surveying
A survey becomes necessary at specific moments in property ownership. Before you close on a real estate purchase, your lender almost always requires a current survey to confirm the property boundaries match the deed description. If you are refinancing an existing mortgage, some lenders request an updated survey as well.
Boundary disputes with neighbors—disagreements about fences, driveways, or tree lines—often require a professional survey to settle. If you plan to build an addition, install a pool, or erect a fence, a survey confirms you are staying within your property lines and meeting setback requirements that local zoning codes impose. Developers and contractors also use surveys to plan subdivisions, site plans, and infrastructure placement.
If you inherit property or are involved in a legal dispute over land ownership, a survey provides the official documentation needed for court proceedings or title insurance claims.
What Arrow North Surveying produces
A boundary survey is the most common product. The surveyor measures the property, marks corners and boundaries with stakes or flags, and creates a detailed map showing dimensions, acreage, and the location of structures like buildings, driveways, and utility lines. This map becomes a legal document that you can use for sales, refinancing, or disputes.
Surveyors also produce as-built surveys, which document what actually exists on the land after construction is complete—useful if a building or driveway was placed differently than originally planned. They create topographic surveys showing elevation changes and terrain features, often needed for development projects or drainage planning. For properties with unclear or conflicting historical records, they may conduct a boundary line adjustment or retracement survey, which involves researching old deeds, plats, and monuments to reconstruct the original intent of the property description.
How the surveying process works
The process begins when you contact Arrow North and describe the property and the reason for the survey. You provide the deed, any existing plats, and access to the property. The surveyor researches historical records at the county register of deeds, reviews previous surveys, and identifies any monuments or markers left by earlier surveyors.
Next, the surveyor visits the property with equipment to measure distances, angles, and elevations. They locate property corners, mark them with stakes, and photograph the site. If boundary monuments are missing or unclear, they may need to search for evidence of the original markers or work with neighboring properties to establish the line.
Back at the office, the surveyor compiles the field notes, historical research, and measurements into a formal survey document and map. This is reviewed for accuracy and signed by the surveyor, who is licensed by South Carolina. The final product is delivered to you and can be filed with the county or provided to your lender, attorney, or title company.
Cost and timeline for Arrow North surveys
Survey costs depend on property size, accessibility, terrain complexity, and how much historical research is required. A straightforward residential lot survey typically costs less than a large rural property or a site with unclear historical records. Urban properties with existing monuments and clear deeds move faster than rural land where original markers may be lost or disputed.
Turnaround time usually ranges from one to three weeks, though rush service may be available for an additional fee. If the property has a complicated history or boundary dispute, the research phase can extend the timeline. Contact Arrow North directly for a quote based on your specific property and situation.
Why Arrow North's work matters for your property
A survey from a licensed, professional firm protects you in multiple ways. Lenders will not close a mortgage without one because it confirms the property you are buying matches the legal description in the deed. If a boundary dispute arises later, an official survey provides the evidence needed to resolve it without costly litigation.
For construction and development, a survey ensures you comply with local zoning setbacks and building codes, preventing costly mistakes or forced removal of structures. If you ever sell the property, a recent survey is attractive to buyers and their lenders, and it can speed up the closing process. In South Carolina, surveyors are regulated by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, so their work meets state standards and is legally defensible.
How to contact Arrow North Surveying
Reach out to Arrow North Surveying with details about your property and what you need the survey for. Have your deed, property address, and a description of the work ready. They can provide a timeline and cost estimate once they understand the scope of the project.
If you are unsure whether you need a survey, ask your real estate agent, lender, or attorney—they often recommend Arrow North or can confirm whether a survey is required for your transaction or project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a survey before buying a house?
Your lender almost always requires one before closing. Even if the lender does not, a survey protects you by confirming the property boundaries match the deed and that no structures or encroachments cross the line. It is standard practice in South Carolina real estate transactions.
What if my neighbor and I disagree about the property line?
A professional survey from Arrow North establishes the legal boundary based on deeds, historical records, and field measurements. If your neighbor disputes the result, you have official documentation to support your position. Many disputes are resolved once both parties see the surveyor's findings.
How long does a survey take?
Most surveys take one to three weeks from start to finish, depending on property size and how much historical research is needed. Rush service may be available. Contact Arrow North with your timeline to see what they can accommodate.
Can I use an old survey instead of getting a new one?
Lenders typically require a current survey, usually no more than a few years old. An old survey may not reflect recent changes to the property or neighboring land. Ask your lender or title company whether an existing survey is acceptable for your transaction.
What happens if the survey finds an encroachment on my property?
An encroachment—like a neighbor's fence or driveway crossing your line—is documented in the survey. You can then decide whether to address it informally with your neighbor, pursue a legal remedy, or accept it as part of the property. Your attorney can advise on the best course of action.