Not all surveys are created equal. Sometimes you just need a simple boundary survey that shows you the borders of your property, but sometimes you need something more. When you need a comprehensive overview of your land, you can turn to an ALTA/NSPS land title surveyor in Buffalo.
You can get a free estimate from one of our New York ALTA surveyors. Scalice Land Surveying is a family business that has been serving New Yorkers for years. We can send a reliable technician to make sure that you get everything you need from your survey.
What Is an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey?
Many insurers, buyers, sellers, and lenders require something more rigorous than just any run-of-the-mill boundary survey. To satisfy that need, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) devised a set of land surveying standards.
ALTA/NSPS land title surveys are surveys that met all of the rigorous standards set by those survey organizations. They are more comprehensive, detailed versions of boundary surveys, and they cover everything from border encroachments to improvements to insurance risks.
Most of the time, ALTA/NSPS surveys are carried out to fulfill some commercial transaction or insurance policy requirement. Certain parties need landowners to show every possible risk and facet of their land so they know exactly what they’re buying, financing, or insuring.
Our land surveyors are experienced in ALTA surveys, and they know how to evaluate your land to the fullest extent possible. You can learn more about what the survey would entail for you by talking to a member of our team today.
What Is the Difference Between an ALTA Survey and a Boundary Survey?
The basic overview is that ALTA surveys are more detailed and all-encompassing than boundary surveys. Both evaluate the borders of your property, but where boundary surveys just show the limits of your land and any encroachments or disputes posed by neighboring properties, ALTA shows so much more.
In addition to the things that boundary surveys cover, ALTA surveys include:
- Flood zones
- Access points
- Improvements
- Historical records
There is a long checklist that surveyors need to go down in order to satisfy every requirement put in place by the ALTA and the NSPS. That means that, in addition to the extra details involved, ALTA surveys also differ from boundary surveys in price point, which is often a fair bit higher.
How Much Is an ALTA Survey?
There is no one fixed price for an ALTA survey. Instead, your evaluation will depend on how difficult and time-consuming it will be. In general, the average ALTA survey will cost somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000, but yours could cost less or more.
Factors that could affect the cost of your ALTA survey include:
- The size of your property
- Any vegetation growing along your boundaries
- Whether your property borders any lakes, oceans, rivers, or other bodies of water
- The amount of preliminary research necessary
A great way to get an idea of how much your ALTA survey could cost is to get a free quote from a professional surveyor. Our team of technicians is on call to talk to you – don’t hesitate to get a free estimate.
How Do I Order an ALTA Survey in Buffalo?
If you are the owner of the property meant to be surveyed, then you can order one by getting in touch with a professional ALTA/NSPS surveyor in Buffalo. You can call our land surveyors to get a quote and, assuming you decide to move forward with us, they will get right on the job.
Your surveyor may ask you to fill out a special form before they get started: Table A of the ALTA land survey. This details what is on your property and what you want surveyed.
If you are buying a property or are an insurance adjuster who needs an ALTA survey of someone else’s property, then the property owner will need to order the survey themself. You can order the survey, but you’ll most likely need written permission from the property owner.
Does an ALTA Policy Require a Survey?
There is never any legal obligation to get an ALTA survey. However, When getting an insurance policy or a loan for a certain tract of land, the insurer or lender will often require an ALTA survey to base your policy on. That’s because ALTA surveys show the type of risks and features that are important to know before financing a sale or writing a policy.
If an ALTA survey is required for your sale, refinancing, policy, or loan, someone will let you know. If you are buying a piece of commercial property or a plot of vacant land, then you should probably request an ALTA survey. You should know what you’re getting into.
If you’re not sure what survey you should get for your property or request for someone else’s, we may be able to help. You can get in touch with a professional who can talk to you about your situation and let you know what your options are.
Get a Free Quote on an ALTA Survey in Buffalo Today
When you order a survey, you should have reliable and efficient professionals working on your property. Buffalo ALTA/NSPS Surveyors Scalice Land Surveying can send experienced technicians who will prioritize your needs.
Call us or contact us online to get your FREE quote today.