What Mathis Robert G Land Surveying Does and When You Need Them

Mathis Robert G Land Surveying provides boundary surveys, property line verification, and land mapping services across South Carolina

Mathis Robert G Land Surveying is a licensed surveying firm that handles the technical work of determining and marking property boundaries, creating survey maps, and documenting land measurements. They work with residential property owners, commercial developers, and municipalities to establish where one property ends and another begins—work that becomes essential when you're buying land, building, resolving a boundary dispute, or subdividing property.

The firm operates within South Carolina's licensing and regulatory framework, meaning their surveyors hold professional credentials and follow state standards for measurement accuracy and documentation. When you hire a surveyor, you're paying for their expertise in reading deeds, using precision instruments, and producing official documents that courts and government agencies recognize.

Key Takeaways

• Mathis Robert G Land Surveying performs boundary surveys that establish where your property lines actually sit on the ground, not just where a deed says they should be.
• A professional survey produces a map and written report that banks, title companies, and local governments require for mortgages, sales, and construction permits.
• You typically need a survey when buying property, building a structure, settling a boundary dispute, or dividing land into separate parcels.
• Survey costs vary based on property size, terrain difficulty, and how much research the surveyor must do into old records and previous surveys.

When a Property Boundary Survey Becomes Necessary

A boundary survey is not always required, but certain situations make one essential. If you are purchasing property with a mortgage, your lender will often require a current survey to confirm the land you are buying matches the description in the deed and that no structures encroach from neighboring properties. Title insurance companies may also request one before issuing a policy.

Building a new structure—a house, garage, shed, or commercial building—typically requires a survey to show that your construction will sit entirely on your own land and comply with setback requirements (the distance a building must sit back from the property line). Local building departments use the survey to issue permits. If you are subdividing property to sell off a portion or create separate lots, a surveyor must legally divide the land and record the new boundaries with the county.

Boundary disputes with neighbors—disagreement over where the actual line runs—often require a professional survey to settle the matter. A surveyor's documented findings carry weight in court and can prevent costly litigation.

What a Professional Survey Includes

When Mathis Robert G Land Surveying completes a survey, they produce a detailed map showing the property boundaries, existing structures, easements (rights of way for utilities or access), and any encroachments or irregularities. The map includes measurements, angles, and references to government survey markers or monuments that establish the corners of your property.

The surveyor also provides a written report documenting their methods, the sources they consulted (previous surveys, deeds, county records), and any issues they found. This report becomes part of the official record and is what banks, title companies, and government agencies review. The survey is dated and signed by a licensed professional, which gives it legal standing.

Depending on what you need, a survey might also include flood zone information, wetland boundaries, or utility locations—details that affect what you can build or how you can use the land.

How the Surveying Process Works

The process begins with a consultation where you describe what you need the survey for and provide any existing documents—your deed, a plot plan, or a mortgage document. The surveyor reviews these records and may search county archives for previous surveys or historical boundary information.

Next, the surveyor visits the property with precision instruments (often GPS equipment and traditional surveying tools) to measure the land and locate existing boundary markers or monuments. They photograph the property, note any structures or obstacles, and take detailed measurements. This fieldwork can take a few hours for a small residential lot or several days for larger or more complex properties.

Back at the office, the surveyor processes the measurements, creates the map, writes the report, and prepares the final documents. Turnaround time typically ranges from one to three weeks, depending on how busy the firm is and how much research the property history requires.

Cost Factors and What Affects the Price

Survey costs are not fixed and depend on several variables. A small residential lot in an urban area with clear boundaries and recent previous surveys costs less than a large rural property with unclear history or difficult terrain. Properties with multiple structures, easements, or encroachment issues take longer to survey and cost more.

The type of survey also matters. A basic boundary survey costs less than a detailed subdivision survey or one that includes flood zone mapping or utility location. Your location within South Carolina can affect price as well—properties far from the surveyor's office may include travel time in the fee.

Contact Mathis Robert G Land Surveying directly for a quote based on your specific property and needs. Most firms provide estimates over the phone once you describe the work involved.

How to Prepare for a Survey

Before the surveyor arrives, gather any documents you have: your deed, mortgage papers, property tax records, or previous surveys. These help the surveyor understand the property history and can speed up the process. Clear the property of obstacles if possible—the surveyor needs access to the corners and edges of your land.

If you know of any boundary disputes or concerns with neighbors, mention them when you call. Let the surveyor know if there are structures, fences, or utilities you want them to pay special attention to. If you are having the survey done for a specific purpose (a mortgage, a building permit, a sale), tell the surveyor so they can ensure the final document meets those requirements.

Be present during the fieldwork if you can. The surveyor may have questions about the property, and you can point out features or concerns that matter to you.

Understanding Survey Records and County Filing

Once a survey is complete, you receive the original or certified copies. If the survey involves a subdivision or new boundary that will be recorded with the county, the surveyor typically handles filing the plat (the official map) with the Register of Deeds. This creates a permanent public record of the new boundaries.

For a standard boundary survey done for a mortgage or building permit, filing is not automatic—you decide whether to record it. Many property owners keep the survey on file for future reference without recording it. Recording adds a small fee but creates a public record that protects you if a future dispute arises.

South Carolina's Register of Deeds office (located in each county) maintains these records. Once filed, the survey becomes part of the property's legal history and is available to future owners, lenders, or anyone with a legitimate interest in the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a survey take from start to finish?

Fieldwork usually takes a few hours to a day, depending on property size and complexity. The full process from your initial call to receiving the final documents typically takes one to three weeks. Rush services may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a survey if I am just buying a house?

Your mortgage lender will usually require one, so yes. Even if the lender does not, a survey protects you by confirming the property boundaries match the deed and that no neighbor's structures encroach on your land. Title insurance companies often request one as well.

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

This is an encroachment. You have several options: move the fence, negotiate a boundary line agreement with your neighbor, or in some cases establish a legal right to keep it through adverse possession (a complex legal process). A surveyor can explain your options, but you may need to consult a real estate attorney.

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

Lenders and government agencies typically want a current survey, usually no more than a few years old. An old survey may be useful for research, but it does not carry the same weight for mortgages, permits, or sales. Ask your lender or the relevant agency what they require.

What is the difference between a survey and a property appraisal?

A survey measures and maps the land and boundaries. An appraisal estimates the property's market value. They serve different purposes—you need a survey for legal and construction matters, and an appraisal for lending and tax assessment.