Learn how to survey the right land surveyor
If you’re getting ready to build on your property, need title insurance, or want to clear up the location of your property boundaries, you might need a land survey. The results are officially filed with your local county office, so hiring a trustworthy surveyor to do the job well is vital. Make the next steps easy on yourself by learning how to hire a land surveyor before you start searching for the perfect fit.
While every land surveyor has their own lineup of services, most of them offer the following:
Completing Mortgage Requirements: When you apply for a mortgage, you might need to hire a land surveyor to inspect the property you hope to purchase. Note that this usually depends on the type of mortgage you’re pursuing and the mortgage lender’s requirements.
Resolving Neighbor Disputes: If you’re in the middle of a boundary dispute with your neighbors, a land surveyor may come in handy. They can act as an intermediary, prevent unnecessary arguments, and ensure everyone’s rights are protected.
Installing Utilities: Before installing utilities on your property, a land surveyor can inform you of your boundary lines. A land survey might also be necessary if you need a new septic system.
Dividing Land: If you decide to purchase a large parcel and want to divide it up, a land surveyor can help you divide it into smaller lots.
Updating Land Surveys: Land surveys are not set in stone and may require a refresh from time to time. If your land survey is outdated, you can count on a land surveyor to update it with the latest information.
The last thing you want is to end up in a boundary dispute with your neighbor. Having a land survey readily available can prevent the need for legal proceedings and preserve your relationship.
Here are all the steps you should take before signing a contract with a land surveyor. From figuring out the type of survey you need to vetting potential surveyors, this footwork is worth it to find the right person for the job.
By planning ahead, you’ll save yourself and your future land surveyor a lot of time. Gathering the information below will help them give you the best quote for what you need:
The type of land survey you need: Land title, boundary, lot, topographic, construction staking, as-built, route, floodplain, or other
Property size, shape, and terrain
Accessibility to the property
Existing markers on your property from past surveys
Get copies of useful records like the property deed and past surveys
Reach out to at least three different land surveyors to get quotes. Once you get the quotes, review them carefully to see what’s included.
Sometimes, land surveyors charge extra for inclement weather conditions, rush jobs, and travel time. Your land survey costs may include additional fees like presenting surveys to a zoning commission or legal representatives.
All professional land surveyors need a state license to work. So the first thing you should check is their license. From there, look and see if they’re bonded and insured, how many years they’ve been in business, and if anything special sets their company apart. For example, one land surveyor could be a veteran in the industry with decades of experience, while another could boast cutting-edge technology.
Additionally, look into the surveyors’ references. You can start by looking at the reviews you browsed online. Once you’ve narrowed your list of land surveyors, look them up on the Better Business Bureau website to see if they have a rating. For bigger projects, you can ask for references from prior clients.
Interviewing one to three land surveyors will work in your favor because it’ll help you narrow down who you want to work with. Although all licensed land surveyors should do a good job, some specialize in certain survey types while others are more familiar with your area. By asking them key questions, you’ll have an easier time choosing one company over another.
The land surveyor you choose will provide you with a contract and payment terms. Read over everything carefully before signing, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions. If you made special requests, make sure they’re in the contract.
Some surveyors require a partial or full payment up-front. If you’re making multiple payments, review the payment due dates and mark them on your calendar.
Tracking the progress of your land survey project may not be simple in the beginning because your land surveyor will conduct off-site work, like obtaining documents and drafting an initial survey based on the information they find.
While you’ll eventually spot your land surveyor on your property when they conduct the field survey, their presence doesn’t help you track their progress. If you have any questions, it’s best to call the surveyor’s office. If they haven’t contacted you by the expected due date of your survey, reach out to them and ask for an update.
As long as you do your due diligence, the land surveyor you hire should come through and do a great job for you. However, spotting all the potential red flags is not always easy. Here are some signs to watch out for:
Inconsistent communication: It’s hard to get a hold of them, and they don’t call back when they promise to, forcing you to do all of the follow-up.
Inconsistent information: You’re confused because you’re hearing one thing one day and something totally different the next day.
Pressure to sign the contract: If you feel pressured to sign the contract, take a step back and firmly tell them you need more time.
Priced way below market value: As the saying goes, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Radio silence after you make a payment: Follow up diligently, but if you continue to hit a stone wall after a few weeks, consider taking action. Notify the state licensing board, file a claim with the contractor’s bond, and take the issue to your local small claims court if all else fails.
There are likely many different land surveyors to choose from in your area. Here are some questions to ask a land surveyor to help you narrow down your list:
Do you specialize in certain types of surveys?
How many people are on your team? Who will I work most closely with?
Have you previously completed surveys in my area?
How soon can you get my survey done?
What does your contract look like?
Do you handle the permitting process?
How long does it take for you to record the survey?
What will I get after you complete the survey?
Are there any additional fees?
As you research land surveyors, you’ll find that they’re not all created equal. These tips can help you zero in on the right surveyor for your unique situation.
Shop Around: While it may be tempting to go with the first land surveyor you find, doing so can cost you. Find at least three different options so you can compare them and find the best fit.
Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask your network for recommendations on land surveyors. Your friends, family members, neighbors, and acquaintances may have some insight into who you should consider as well as who you should avoid.
Read Reviews: A land surveyor can say they’re great but real reviews from their current and former customers are far more telling. Check a few different websites to get an idea of each surveyor’s reputation.
Perform an Interview: If you find a land surveyor who seems to tick all your boxes, contact them and request a conversation via phone or in person. Learn more about their experience and services.
Ask About Pricing: Before you sign on the dotted line and move forward with a land surveyor, find out how they charge for their work. This can help you avoid hidden fees and unwanted financial surprises.
When your land surveyor completes the job, they’ll provide you with all the reports, records, documents, and maps required for your survey type. The land surveyor will also record the survey with your county office.
If you’re happy with their work, consider leaving them a positive review on their social media or Angi profile.
