A survey will show any dwellings, buildings or improvements (driveways, fences, pools) located on the property; A plat usually shows the dimensions of the property before the improvements are made. 2. A plat will often cover more than one lot or parcel of land.
A plat of survey is required for all permits for installation of, replacement of, and additions to fences, decks, pools, patios (with or without a roof), driveways, driveway aprons, sidewalks, garages, pergolas and similar structures, and additions.
In the state of Illinois, if you own a single family home or a townhouse with its own lot number, and you are selling your property, your real estate contract will require you to provide a survey to your buyer dated within the last six months.
The State of Illinois does not currently have a right of access for Professional Land Surveyors, but Professional Land Surveyors may only be held liable for damage to the property and cannot be arrested for trespass.
The plat must show all angular and linear data along the exterior boundaries of the tract of land divided or subdivided, the names of all public streets and the width, course and extent of all public streets, alleys and ways for public service facilities.
Can I survey my own property? You can survey your property, but your results aren't acceptable for property records if you're not a professional home surveyor. To find your boundaries, read the plat map – or scaled map of land divisions – included with your property's paperwork. You might also find the plat map online.
During the property survey, a land surveyor will compare historical records and data with any existing markers to accurately define your property lines – and their findings are legally binding.
There could be structural defects caused by subsidence which you haven't budgeted for, or health risks due to environmental considerations such as radon gas in the land below the property. All of which you would not be aware of without a professional survey.