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Land Surveys and Property Disputes: How to Resolve Boundary Issues in Houston

Boundary Disputes Are Common—A Land Survey Can Settle Them

Disagreements over property lines happen more often than most people think. Whether it's a fence that was built too far in, a driveway that overlaps, or confusion over an old deed description, boundary disputes can lead to legal trouble and strained neighbor relationships.

Fortunately, a professional land survey can clear up the confusion. At South Texas Surveying, we help property owners throughout Houston and surrounding counties get the facts—so they can protect their rights and find resolution.

Common Causes of Boundary Disputes in Houston

• 🧱 A fence, wall, or shed crosses onto a neighbor’s lot

• 🚗 A driveway or private road encroaches on the wrong parcel

• 📜 A deed or plat map contains conflicting or outdated information

• 🏠 A structure or addition was built too close to or over the property line

• 📏 Subdivision or land division errors created overlapping descriptions

📌 These issues are especially common in older neighborhoods like The Heights, Montrose, and East End, as well as rapidly developing suburbs where land is frequently replatted or combined.

How a Land Survey Helps Resolve Disputes

Professional land surveyors are trained to interpret deeds, plats, and property markers using advanced measurement tools and public records. A survey will:

• ✅ Clearly define legal property boundaries

• ✅ Identify encroachments or overlaps

• ✅ Reveal easements and setback violations

• ✅ Provide objective documentation that can be used in negotiations or court

• ✅ Support permit applications or legal filings to correct records

📎 A survey is often the first and best step in de-escalating a boundary conflict and preventing future problems.

Types of Surveys Useful for Boundary Disputes

📍 Boundary Survey

• Marks corners and lines based on legal descriptions and physical evidence

• Most common survey for resolving disputes between neighbors

📍 Category 1A Survey

• Texas standard for residential properties

• Shows visible improvements (fences, buildings, etc.) and encroachments

• Often used during real estate transactions

📍 ALTA/NSPS Survey

• Typically used for commercial properties and large parcels

• Includes thorough title review and encumbrance identification

Steps to Take if You’re in a Boundary Dispute

1. Remain calm and document the issue

   • Photos, property documents, and communication history are helpful

2. Order a professional land survey

   • This provides legal evidence—not assumptions

3. Review the survey with your neighbor (if possible)

   • Sometimes a conversation clears things up once the facts are presented

4. Contact your title company or real estate attorney

   • If the dispute affects ownership or title insurance

5. Consider mediation or legal resolution only if necessary

   • Most conflicts are resolved with a professional survey and good communication

Where Boundary Disputes Are Common in the Houston Area

📍 Harris County

• Urban density and redevelopment can cause property lines to blur

• Older legal descriptions and hand-drawn plats often create inconsistencies

📍 Montgomery & Fort Bend Counties

• Rural parcels being subdivided into neighborhoods may result in unclear boundaries

• Fast-paced construction increases chances of encroachments

📍 Brazoria, Galveston & Chambers Counties

• Coastal erosion and development can physically shift reference points

• Access roads, easements, and fences often need legal clarification

Why Work With South Texas Surveying?

With over 40 years of experience in Houston and beyond, South Texas Surveying delivers:

✔️ Accurate and court-defensible land surveys
✔️ Expert analysis of deeds, plats, and property lines
✔️ Clear communication with property owners, attorneys, and title professionals
✔️ Fast service across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Waller, Liberty, and Chambers counties

📞 Have a boundary concern or neighbor dispute? Contact South Texas Surveying today and get the facts you need to resolve it.

Don’t Let a Property Line Dispute Go Unchecked

Boundary issues don’t fix themselves. A professional land survey can give you the documentation you need to protect your land, settle disagreements, and move forward with peace of mind.

📍 When clarity counts, trust South Texas Surveying to draw the line—literally and legally.