FAQ

The surveyor’s cost estimate will be based on the anticipated difficulty and estimated time needed to complete the project. Fees can be estimated, but the surveyor cannot predict the amount of work required to recover the necessary evidence. The amount of time required to obtain field measurements and make boundary determinations depends on the availability and proximity of the discovered evidence. The surveyor will be able to provide you with a cost estimate based on an hourly rate, experience with similar jobs, and a general knowledge of the area, but actual costs may not be known until the project is completed. Although some companies will provide a “lump sum” for certain types of work such as mortgage inspections or foundation surveys. Make sure you check with your local surveyor before you proceed.

1. The purpose or type of survey
2. A copy of your deed
3. Any plans you have and any information about the location of existing property corners and property lines
4. A brief history of ownership
5. Name and address of adjacent property owners, if known.
6. Information about disagreements over the location of property corners and property lines
7. Abstract and title opinion, if available, and requested by the surveyor

1. The Professional Land Surveyor will do all work in accordance with State Laws, local regulations, and the highest ethical standards.
2. Study your property description and show you what, in his professional opinion, the records and facts indicate the boundaries of your land to be.
3. Survey your property, and adjacent property, if necessary, to complete his work.
4. Advise you if there is any defect in your land description or evidence of encroachment.
5. Set monuments at your property corners and mark them so they can be easily found. A record of his work is filed in his office for future reference.
6. Prepare a certificate of survey of your property, indicating the measurements he has made, the monuments he has placed, and any other date requested.
7. Help you plan and layout a subdivision into lots and streets.
8. File a copy of the map or plat with the appropriate office at your request or if required by law.
9. Locate oil and gas wells, buildings, fences, rights of way, encroachments, and other possession evidence.
10. Inform interested parties of progress and results.
11. Cooperate with your attorney, realtor, banker, engineer, or architect.
12. Write a legal description of when land is to be divided.
13. Supply you with as many copies of the plat or map as you may require, each bearing his certification, signature, and seal.

1. Preliminary Survey: The collection of survey data on which to base studies on a proposed project or a proposed final survey
2. Boundary Surveys are the most common and they serve to locate the limits of a certain property or description
3. Topographic Survey is usually required when construction is going to take place and all improvements and utilities need to be located as well as elevations of the property
4. Land Title Survey (ALTA/NSPS Survey) is obtained when a loan is being secured on a piece of property (usually commercial). Land Title Surveys are the most extensive and costly and are designed to provide comfort to the lender, Title Company, and buyer as to title issues such as easements and encroachments
5. Subdivision Survey: A type of land survey in which the legal boundaries of an area are located and the area is divided into smaller parcels, streets, rights of way, and other accessories. All necessary corners or dividing lines are marked and monumented.
6. Construction Survey: The survey measurements made while construction is in progress to control elevation, horizontal position, and dimensions, and to determine the adequacy of completion.