Land surveys are prepared for residential homes and show you exactly where your home is sitting and any renovations and improvements that have been made to the exterior of the property. Some things that may show up on a survey report may include additional decks, pools, driveways and buildings that have been added. This is a legally binding document that can be called upon by the local municipality, mortgage company or the bank and its helpful when any real estate transfer is taking place.
There is no expiration date on a survey but it is a good idea to get one if you are involved in a real estate transaction. In some cases it will be required by the lending institution as part of the financial conditions for the home loan.