Set it aside for a few days, then take a drive by and/or walk about on the property with an open mind. You just might see something that makes it all come together. I had one of those several years ago where the field crew tied in (started from) an iron pipe. It was driving me nuts until my walk about revealed the start point was a broken off fence post sticking out of the ground 2 feet. I sent the crew back to tie in the real corner and everything came together.
I've got a box of aged, unused caps that belong to a surveyor that had his license revoked. I can send you a few of them and you can drive them where you think the corners should be. On your plat show "1/2" rebar with cap #XXX found".
Have walked away from only one place
There a couple subdivisions around here I won't go near. Nothing adds up and critical dimensions are missing, it's a mine field. The worst of them, would you guess? Is named 'Williwaw' Subdivision. +o(
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
I've given up, when I worked for a large company. The area monuments were a mess, I knew it would take multiple more trips for the survey crew and hours of my time, and I knew I was going to get a grilling on why I was so far over budget. It was not the best decision for the client, but it was the best for me given the circumstances. It can be difficult when the top guy only thinks in terms of $$$$.
I had one of those but had the adjoiner in my ear making mild threats everytime I uncovered an iron . Got the client out there and started showing them the issues and the adjoiner ran over and started ranting and raving . Client told me not to hit another lick and he did not buy the property due to the crazy neighbor . I gladly walked away, and billed for a days work . The seller wanted me to finish I said sorry I had contract with the buyer . I could see this getting nasty and it ended really messy for other folks . sometimes you need to fold them .
JB- if there is no written contract with an escape clause based on the special circumstances you described, then you are liable for completing the work you signed on for. I don't know how get around that.
In my state, CA., our Board for Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors requires proof of a signed written contract in our file and specific wording placed into that agreement stating how and under what circumstances a job may be ended by both or either parties.
If we don't have the above in our file, it is a citation.
The guys have it right on this website, work towards a boundary agreement by bringing in all adjoiners. Remember the one and only key requirement for a legally binding boundary agreement; there must be uncertainty, from professionals and also hopefully from the landowners.
> .... work towards a boundary agreement by bringing in all adjoiners. Remember the one and only key requirement for a legally binding boundary agreement; there must be uncertainty, from professionals and also hopefully from the landowners.
And an agreement. Don't forget that, the most important part. It sounds like the other two are pretty certain in place. If the boundary is that difficult, there must be a lot of ambiguity in the deeds. The fact that they need a survey is probably a good indication that there is uncertainty there, not to mention that if it is that uncertain for a professional surveyor, it is doubtful the landowners know where the corners are.
This is a great thread.
I was about to give up on making sense of a goofy utility easement, when I found some encouragement in this thread. It all came together this afternoon. I will be going out to search for and locate utility pole "stumps" and abandoned guy anchors tomorrow to seal the deal.
3 clients I won't work for. Those that have adjoiners with 'mild' threats (i.e. attack dogs, guns, angry wife...), the client is crazy, or property that is on a fault zone. It just doesn't work.
As for this situation, get out the BIG hammer and make it fit.
Then try to sleep at night....
These jobs are the bulk of my work. Every now and then you get an easy one but if it weren't for tough ones, I wouldn't be doing anything. I once worked for 3 weeks on a 60x120 in a small village near a river. The river had flooded 3 times over the years and I'm not talking a little water in the basement. The Johnstown Flood of 1889 and another in 1936 and then another in 1977 wiped out most everything. I only quoted the guy $560 and really took a hit but I got it in there the best I could and had a good explanation for my procedure. Another survey company had been in there and had points set that caused encroachment all over the place. Those people didn't all build over the line. When I asked where they started, I was told in a chuckle, "Looks like we started at a hedge row." I was able to dismiss those points and had to start really digging in. I didn't give up even though I was losing money and I won't change the price I quoted. It would have cost him at least $1500 but, true to my word, I did it and it all worked out.
I can't let a piece of property whip me. Sometimes people grind you down to the point of wanting to quit but not the job.
"No job is complete until the paperwork is done."
- that is, quit claim adjoiner deeds.
:good: :good: Yes, that would cover all the bases.
IF they won't do that, call it what it is... or turns out to be!
You could even label all the lines on the dwg, L1 L2 etc, and systematicly solidify them with quitclaims, from each neighbor, as they participate. IF one does not sign, then you could have a status box, to show the lines what were signed off on.
N
I like that, a lot.
Never, ever, give up.
Great Comment
:good: