I’ve definitely noticed the same thing—newer plats seem spot-on, but anything pre-90s is a bit of a gamble. I once budgeted for a fence based on the city’s GIS, only to have the surveyor tell me I’d be two feet into my neighbor’s yard. Not exactly the kind of “extra space” I was hoping for… Do you just trust the maps, or do you always double-check before making plans?
Title: Digging into property easements—anyone else find online tools confusing?
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think the online maps are more helpful than people give them credit for. Sure, they’re not perfect, especially with older properties, but they’re a solid starting point. When we started planning our build, I used the city’s GIS to sketch out ideas and it saved me a ton of time before even thinking about hiring a surveyor. I just figure, why pay someone hundreds right off the bat if you can at least get a ballpark idea for free?
That said, I wouldn’t trust them for anything permanent like fences or driveways. There’s always that risk of being off by a foot or two, and that’s all it takes to start a neighbor feud. But for rough planning? I’m all for it. Maybe it’s just my stubborn streak, but I’d rather use every tool available before shelling out more cash. Guess it depends on how much risk you’re willing to take...
Yeah, I’m with you—those online maps are a decent jumping-off point, especially for scoping out potential issues before you get too deep. But I’ve seen them miss utility easements or show outdated lot lines more than once. Ever had a project where the GIS data just didn’t match what was actually on the ground? That’s always a headache. Still, for early planning, I’d rather have something than nothing. Just gotta know when to call in the pros.
But I’ve seen them miss utility easements or show outdated lot lines more than once.
Totally get that. I’ve run into similar issues—those online GIS layers are helpful for a quick look, but the details can be way off. Once had a project where the map showed a clear buildable area, but when we actually walked the site, there was a decades-old drainage easement running right through the middle. No sign of it on the county’s website.
I still use those tools for early brainstorming, but honestly, I always wonder how folks handle it when they’re working on older properties where records might be even sketchier. Has anyone found a reliable way to double-check easements before getting surveyors involved? Or is it just a matter of crossing your fingers and hoping nothing weird turns up?