Question 1

Is a survey required to buy in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

No, a survey is not legally required on a South Carolina purchase, but lenders, attorneys, and fence or pool builders often require one.

Question 2

What is the difference between a boundary survey and an elevation certificate?

Accepted Answer

A boundary survey maps lot lines from deeds, monuments, and field measurements. An elevation certificate records a building's elevation relative to the base flood elevation, for flood insurance.

Question 3

How long does a quote take?

Accepted Answer

A licensed surveyor will follow up. No time promise is published until a recipient confirms one.

Question 4

Will you connect me with a surveyor in another county?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Submit the form with the property address, and we will find a licensed surveyor in that area. If no licensed surveyor is available there, we will say so, rather than sending your lead to the wrong county.

Question 5

Do I need a survey before pouring concrete or a new driveway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, before you pour. Concrete is hard to move. A boundary survey shows the lot line and the setback, so you do not pour over the line, over an easement, or into a setback.

Question 6

Do I need a survey to check an easement before I build?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An easement can run across a lot for a utility, drainage, or access, and building over it can mean forced removal. A survey maps the easement, the lot line, and the setback together.

Question 7

The city is widening the road by my house. Do I need a survey?

Accepted Answer

A survey helps here. It shows where your property line is, where the road right-of-way is, and whether the widening touches your lot, your fence, or your driveway. This site does not give legal advice.

Question 8

My neighbor's fence looks like it is on my land. What do I do first?

Accepted Answer

Get the line marked first, then talk. A boundary survey by a licensed surveyor, from deeds, monuments, and field measurements, shows where the line actually is.

Question 9

Do I need a new survey after flooding or storm damage?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Flooding and erosion can shift ground and displace monuments, so an old survey may no longer match the lot. After a flood, a surveyor can re-mark the line, and an elevation certificate can record the building elevation for flood insurance.

Question 10

Where do I pick up free sandbags near Summerville?

Accepted Answer

There is no permanent sandbag site. Dorchester County opens temporary sites only before a storm, and closes them after it. Check the county storm notice first. Full directory at /sandbags/.

Frequently asked questions