
Jacqueline M. Hudkins
Plot Plans and Property Surveys
Mortgage Inspection Plan or "Plot Plan"
A Mortgage Inspection Plan (often referred to as a Plot Plan) is a drawing, prepared by a professional,
reflecting the general shape of the subject property and the location of any buildings or structures in relation
to the property lines. Distances are approximate and are typically based on the deed description of record
and a physical visit to the premises. The intention of the Plot Plan is to certify to a lender that there are no
encroachments, and typically reflects whether the property is in a flood plain. The charge is approximately
$125-$175.00 for residential property in the State of NH. The landowner shall not use this information for
other purposes, i.e. determining lines of ownership to construct building additions, pools, fences, etc.
Property Survey
A Property Survey, as defined by the NH Land Surveyors Association, http://www.nhlsa.org/ “requires
sufficient research, field survey and analysis of all factors affecting and influencing the location of
boundaries… to locate, monument, determine the area… of real property…”. The property survey sets forth
the boundary lines of the property with certainty. A property survey is more expensive than a Mortgage
Inspection Plan (i.e. several thousands of dollars) and requires site visits to the property by a land surveyor.
With today’s modern survey instruments such as total stations and GPS equipment, boundary lines and
elevations can be determined and are memorialized in a Plan which is often recorded at the County Registry
of Deeds. Only licensed professional land surveyors can determine, and certify, land boundaries.
Do I Need a Plot Plan or a Property Survey before purchasing real estate?
If you are seeking certainty with respect to your boundary lines, the first step is to ask the current owner if
they have had any survey work completed. This is especially important if you plan to construct a new home,
garage, barn, fence, or other structures on the premises. It may also be important for you to identify the
placement of easements, wetlands, setbacks, or other building restrictions. If the property has never been
surveyed, you may consider the cost of the survey as part of your negotiations on sale-price with the seller.
You may also consider whether it is important for you complete a survey of the property prior to closing or
whether it may be acceptable for you to wait until after the closing. A consultation with your closing
attorney, realtor and a licensed land surveyor is advised.
This summary has been prepared by Attorney Jacqueline M. Hudkins of Hudkins Law PLLC
http://hudkinslaw.com & George R. Fredette, PE of SFC Engineering Partnership, http://www.sfceng.com
Hudkins Law PLLC was founded in 2006 by Jacqueline M. Hudkins. The firm provides title and settlement services for
residential and commercial real estate transactions. Each real estate transaction is managed by a team of Attorneys and
Paralegals to guarantee continuous coverage throughout the entire closing process and combines the expertise of Real
Estate, Title, Trust, Estate Planning and Corporate Attorneys to offer competitive flat fee pricing. The firm employs ten
Attorneys and ten paralegals and maintains offices in Concord NH, Windham NH, New London NH, Keene, NH, Norwich
VT, & Andover, MA.
SFC Engineering Partnership, Inc., (SFC) is a multi-disciplined engineering consulting firm conveniently located at 1
Industrial Drive in Windham, New Hampshire. SFC has been providing Structural, Fire Protection and Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Accessibility Consultation to private, commercial, industrial and municipal markets for over twenty years. SFC’s professional team offers a multitude of engineering services including roadway improvements, utilities and drainage design, building design, permitting, sprinkler and alarm design, site planning, feasibility studies, infrastructure improvements, accessibility consultation and design, plan code review, and construction administration. SFC’s staff includes 14 staff professionals including civil, structural and fire protection engineers.

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