Kent
I'm not trying to be mean to Bryan and I've used the lack of x-ray vision to explain why I haven't shown all underground utilities before, but the safe route would be to specifically state in the contract for the survey that only visible evidence of utilities is to be shown and that if further investigation is requested, utility location consultants may be necessary (or something like that). Why would an architect stepping out of the taxicab in his loafers be more able to identify a water source than a surveyor?
I'm doing a job right now (for the last 3 1/2 years) that is dividing up several parcels among a family of lawyers who are all represented by lawyers (hence the delay) and the power comes in overhead, then goes underground crossing one parcel to get to the next. In an unusual display of foresight on my part, I put in the contract that they would cause the underground lines to be marked so I could write descriptions for the necessary easements. It cost them dearly but they couldn't say I didn't tell them up front.
Kent
> Why would an architect stepping out of the taxicab in his loafers be more able to identify a water source than a surveyor?
Well, an architect might not be able to, but a building designer would, I feel certain. I mean, they often can determine where the boundaries of properties are without the benefit of a survey, so a "WATER UTILITY?" ought to be not much of a challenge at all.
Use the Jim Frame® Note
Instead of "Water ?" perhaps "Possible Water" would have been better. Or not. Sometimes the deisgner is just dense...
KS
The designer should have scheduled a utility locate, right before the surveyor shows up.
:coffee:
"I love designers who never seem to step foot on a property."
Keep in mind that the reason for ordering a survey is so that the designers don't have to step foot on the property.
As the surveyor, you are the eyes, ears and nose of the people who hired you.
Mind you, I agree that your notations should have given pause to any designer to investigate further.
But I'd guess that in a court fight, a smart lawyer could make a case that you should have know that that concrete pad with rusted pipes was actually a well.