If you or your neighbors are planning to make any property changes—such as a home remodel or the addition of a pool—the property undergoing these changes will require land surveying. Throughout this process, professional land surveyors must determine where boundary lines lie, so you know exactly where changes can and cannot be made. Since property is heavily entrenched in the legal system, it’s important to know your rights throughout the process. Here are two situations worth learning more about. 

When Your Neighbor Is Conducting a Property Line Survey

If your neighbor is surveying their land, the professionals will need to come onto your property to complete their job. However, this can pose a risk to you should anything go wrong. For instance, if the surveyor becomes hurt on your property, you could be held liable. Or, if they cause damage to your property, they may not be covered by insurance—leaving you to pay for repairs.

While some property owners may not want to let a surveyor onto their property, in Connecticut, they have a right of entry. In fact, property owners cannot take action against surveyors for trespassing in the state. Instead, work with your neighbor to ensure they are hiring a company that is licensed and insured.

When Your Neighbor Encroaches on Your Property

At times, you may believe your neighbor is encroaching on your property, even if it’s not intended. Their new concrete driveway may extend just a few inches past the line, or that new fence could straddle the border between your properties. While you may be friendly with your neighbor, speak with them right away as they make use of your land. Even a small encroachment can be enough for a title company to refuse insurance when you want to sell your home. Your neighbors may be willing to rectify the problem, but if they resist, you have a right to hire a surveyor and a lawyer to stop them from building on your land.