Do I need a new survey, or can I trust the plat the county already has on file?

A plat on file with the county shows how a parcel was originally divided and its boundaries at that point in time. It does not necessarily reflect current conditions, fence lines that have shifted, encroachments that have developed, or boundary disputes that have arisen since the plat was recorded.

A new survey is generally worth getting when:

• Boundaries are unclear, with no visible markers or fencing matching the plat
• The existing plat is old, since older surveys used less precise methods and conditions on the ground may have changed
• The parcel is being subdivided from a larger tract, which typically requires a current survey regardless

Beyond confirming boundaries, a new survey also confirms actual acreage, which directly affects value. Relying on an old plat's stated acreage, especially if it is decades old or if the parcel has been altered since, carries real risk if the actual usable or legal acreage turns out to be different from what is assumed.

If a parcel has a recent, clear plat with well-marked boundaries and no history of disputes, relying on the existing plat may be a reasonable way to save the cost of a new survey. For anything with ambiguity, age, or a planned subdivision, treat a new survey as a worthwhile cost rather than an optional extra.