Call in a licensed professional for a land survey
Whether you have plans to install a new fence or buy a new home, a land survey may be on your radar. A land surveyor can perform a land survey to explain the boundaries and other features of your property. This guide will dive into how land surveys work and the benefits of hiring a professional.
Since land surveying is very technical, it’s important to hire a professional land surveyor to ensure the utmost accuracy. Call a local land surveyor—they’ll have the necessary licensing requirements in your state. In most cases, they’ll hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in geomatics, surveying, or a related field, have passed the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying exam, and have worked for at least four years under a licensed surveyor.
Depending on where you live, they must also complete continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. The process of becoming a land surveyor is not easy and takes about eight or nine years. However, a land surveyor is a qualified professional with the analytical knowledge and experience to take precise measurements and pinpoint discrepancies between their measurements and current records. Plus, they know how to use survey equipment, software, and other specialized tools that lead to the most accurate reports.
In addition, land surveyors are up-to-date on property and easement laws, which are often complex and ever-evolving. Lastly, they can communicate well with other surveyors, government officials, and civil engineers if needed.
It may seem like a civil engineer can perform a land survey since they are qualified professionals with bachelor’s degrees and often a professional engineering license. But while they can design and oversee complex infrastructure projects, they’re not trained to complete land surveys. Civil engineers mostly work for consulting design firms, government agencies, and research and development entities.
Land surveyors, on the other hand, are often self-employed or work for private companies that offer surveying services for property owners, developers, and construction firms. They focus on mapping, determining boundaries, and construction layouts. Oftentimes, land surveyors work with civil engineers to help implement a variety of commercial or residential projects.
Unlike a plot plan, a land survey is a more detailed document. If you hire a land surveyor to perform a land survey on your property, here’s what you can expect:
Research: First, the surveyor will retrieve records from the recorder of deeds. This will help them establish the property’s location. Records often consist of subdivision plots or deeds.
Calculations: Next, they’ll calculate the locations of the corners of the property and the surrounding area. They’ll use the information they found in their research.
Field Work: Then, they’ll visit your property on their own or with other team members to survey the land. This is where they’ll use specialized equipment like metal detectors.
Drawing Creation: Finally, they’ll create a drawing of the property. It will include all of the results from their field work. You should receive it via email, often in PDF form.
Depending on the size of your property, the land surveying process may last a few days or even a few weeks.
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.
The buyer or seller may pay for the land survey, depending on who requests it. On average, a land survey costs between $376 and $768. Your exact land survey cost, however, will depend on a number of factors, such as your location, the size of your property, and the type of survey you order. A land survey and boundary survey, for example, have different costs. Other factors like the availability of parcel information, the time of year you request the job, and whether you need any special maps or other documentation will also play a role in what you pay for a land survey.
Land surveying requires a professional license as well as years of education and professional experience. For this reason, DIY is not an option if you’re in need of a land survey. However, before you hire a pro, it’s a good idea to do your due diligence. Ask for references and check their credentials.
