It can be hard to know what to expect from a land survey, especially if this is your first time getting one. Whether you’re selling your property, starting a new project, or refinancing, there are some steps you can take to make sure your surveyor is able to do their job quickly and accurately so that you get your money’s worth.

Learn more about what to do to prepare for a land survey and how the process works. When you’re ready to talk to someone about getting your property evaluated by an expert, someone from our company is available to speak with you today.

The Different Types of Land Survey

One important thing that you should always know before you get a land survey is what type of survey you need. That will decide what the surveyor does on your land, how long it will take, and how much it will cost. The type of survey you should get will depend on what project or deal you’re getting it for.

The different kinds of land surveys include:

• Boundary surveys, which measure the borders of your property and where they meet adjacent properties
• ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, which measure boundaries as well as utilities, easements, risks, and other comprehensive details
• Topographic surveys, which show changes in elevation on your land
• Subdivision surveys, which split your land into parcels

If someone else has requested that you get a survey, they most likely have a specific type in mind. If not, you can always talk to a land surveyor from our company for free. A professional can listen to your needs and tell you which type of survey you should get for your property.

What to Do Before a Surveyor Comes

Once you know what survey you need, there are some steps that you can take to expedite the survey process and make sure you get the most accurate results possible. Before a land survey, you can prepare by:

Getting a Free Estimate on Your Survey

You should always know what you’re getting into financially. You don’t want to agree to a survey only to find out afterward that it is going to cost you more than you expected. Most land surveying companies give clients free estimates based on the size of their land and the type of survey that they need.

Because of that, you should always get a quote from the land surveyor. If they don’t give you a free quote, that’s a major red flag–they might be hiding shady practices, may not have enough experience surveying, or may try to charge you more than they should.

Gathering All Your Documentation

No surveyor starts measuring your land right away. First, they have to do preliminary research about your property. To do that they’ll need documents and files that show past surveys, the history of your land, and any boundary disputes with neighboring properties.

Some of that documentation they can get on their own, but there are some things that you’ll need to provide. Before your surveyor starts on your job, you can get everything together that you can to make their research process faster and easier.

Some surveys may also require you to fill out forms and paperwork before the crew starts their survey. For example, if you’re getting an ALTA/NSPS land title survey, you’ll most likely need to fill out ALTA/NSPS Table A, which outlines what is on your land and what you need to be surveyed.

Making Sure Your Property Is Clean and Safe

If there are any obstructions or dangers on your property, you should find them and do your best to get rid of them. If a land survey crew encounters difficulties on your property, it could prolong the survey process and cost you more money. The easier and safer it is for your surveyors to move around and do their job, the better the results are for you.

Talking to Your Surveyor

You should always have an open channel of communication with your surveyor. Let them know about anything of note on your land and anything in particular that you want them to evaluate. The right land surveyor will want to tailor their services to your needs, and you can help them do that by telling them what your needs are.

How Much does It Cost to Survey Land?

Because every survey job is different and every property owner’s needs are unique, no two land surveys cost the same amount of money. Some simple surveys of smaller parcels of land can be around $200, while a comprehensive survey of a larger plot of land can cost in the thousands of dollars.

Ultimately, the price of your survey will depend on how difficult it is and how long it takes to complete. You can get a free estimate on your land survey from someone you can trust at our company. Our quotes cost nothing, and the insight of our professional surveyors can be invaluable.

Get a Free Quote on Your Next Land Survey

Just reading about what you can do to prepare for a land survey helps, but it doesn’t beat actually talking to an expert. Land surveyors at Scalice, P.C., are ready to talk to you about what to expect from the survey process, as well as how much yours might cost you.

Contact us to get your FREE estimate today.