DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
Honestly, I hear you about boots-on-the-ground research, but I think the online stuff gets a bad rap sometimes. If you layer county GIS, utility maps, and surveyor data, you can catch most issues before ever setting foot on site. Saves me a ton of time—though yeah, I still double-check with the city if anything looks weird. I wouldn’t toss out the tech just yet... it’s getting better every year.
Totally agree, the tech has come a long way. Layering GIS with utility data saves me hours, especially for initial feasibility checks. That said, I’ve seen a few easements missed when older surveys weren’t digitized yet... so I still pull archived plats if there’s any doubt. It’s not perfect, but it’s getting there.
DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
Honestly, I still don’t trust the online maps for this stuff. Too many times I’ve seen a “clear” lot online, then found a random utility easement buried in some old paperwork at the county office. The tech’s handy for a quick look, but I’d never skip the old-school records. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I’d rather spend an extra hour digging than get burned later.
- Totally get where you’re coming from.
- I’ve run into the same thing—online maps look clean, but then I’m knee-deep in a remodel and find out there’s a drainage easement right where I wanted to put built-ins.
- My process now:
• Quick check online for a general idea
• Always pull the plat map and deed from the county
• If it’s a big project, I’ll even call the utility companies directly
- It’s a pain, but way better than having to redesign halfway through.
- Honestly, I wish the tech was more reliable, but for now, old-school wins.
- Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
- You’re not alone. I’ve had clients get excited about a layout, only to hit a wall when the real paperwork shows up.
- Online maps are fine for a quick peek, but I never trust them for anything permanent.
- Plat maps and deed pulls are my go-to too—honestly, it’s wild how often the digital stuff misses key details.
- Calling utilities feels old-school, but it’s saved me from some serious headaches more than once.
- It’s extra work upfront, but way less hassle than having to rework everything mid-project.
- Wouldn’t mind if tech caught up, but until then... better safe than sorry, right?
