Boundary Survey Services in Washington

Know exactly where your property lines are. Licensed surveyors establish legal boundaries, mark corners, and resolve disputes — essential before fencing, building, or selling.

Timeline 2–4 weeks
Investment $2K – $8K
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What is a Boundary Survey?

A boundary survey (also called a property line survey) establishes the exact legal boundaries of your land. A Washington-licensed surveyor researches property records, locates monuments, measures angles and distances, and marks corners with stakes or monuments.

Boundary surveys are essential before installing fences, resolving neighbor disputes, subdividing land, or selling property. They provide legal documentation showing where your property begins and ends — and what's yours versus your neighbor's or public right-of-way.

How the Boundary Survey Process Works

1

Records Research

Review deeds, plats, easements, and historical surveys from county records and archives.

2

Field Work

Locate existing monuments, measure property lines, and collect data using GPS and total stations.

3

Boundary Analysis

Calculate legal boundaries, resolve discrepancies, and determine corner positions per Washington statutes.

4

Monument Setting

Install iron rods or caps at property corners. Mark lines with stakes or flagging.

5

Survey Drawing

Prepare certified plat showing boundaries, monuments, easements, encroachments, and distances.

6

Delivery & Filing

Provide survey plat and corner record. File with county auditor as required by RCW 58.09.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a boundary survey cost in Washington?

Boundary surveys typically cost $2,000–$8,000 depending on property size, terrain, vegetation, and research complexity. Urban lots average $2K–$4K; rural acreage with difficult access or extensive research can reach $6K–$8K+.

How long does a boundary survey take?

Most boundary surveys are completed in 2–4 weeks from authorization. Simple urban lots may finish faster; rural properties with extensive research or difficult terrain may take 4–6 weeks.

Do I need a survey before building a fence?

Yes, highly recommended. Building a fence on your neighbor's property — even by a few inches — can lead to legal disputes, removal costs, and property line adjustments. A boundary survey prevents these issues.

What's the difference between a boundary survey and a title report?

A title report shows ownership and liens but doesn't locate physical boundaries. A boundary survey physically marks property lines on the ground and identifies encroachments, easements, and discrepancies.

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

Not recommended. Property conditions change — fences move, monuments disappear, and improvements encroach. Lenders and title companies typically require surveys completed within 6–12 months. Only a new survey provides current, certifiable boundary information.

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

Several options: relocate the fence, negotiate an easement or boundary line adjustment with your neighbor, or document the situation if the fence has been there for 10+ years (adverse possession claim). Your surveyor can advise on next steps.

Will the surveyor mark my entire property line?

Standard practice is to set monuments at corners and mark key points along lines with stakes or flagging. Full line staking (every 25–100 feet) costs extra but is helpful for fencing projects.

What counties does TerraVector serve for boundary surveys?

We coordinate boundary surveys across central and eastern Washington: Grant, Adams, Douglas, Lincoln, Franklin, Okanogan, Spokane, Kittitas, and Chelan counties.

Service Areas — Boundary Survey in Washington

We coordinate boundary surveys across central and eastern Washington. Click a county to learn more about local regulations and permitting:

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Request a Boundary Survey