If it’s your first time getting a professional land survey, you might feel overwhelmed by the costs. Land surveys are estimated to range between $400 and $700. The total cost of hiring a survey company depends on several factors like the type of survey, size of the land, equipment needed, and more.

Hiring a professional surveyor is recommended because of their extensive expertise and experience. To determine how much you will pay, you may request a free quote from a trusted land surveyor. It’s possible to talk to your surveyor and discuss what is involved in the survey. They can evaluate the factors and give you an estimate of the final cost. Here are tips on how you can save a few bucks when hiring a land surveyor:

Clean Your Site

Before the surveying is carried out, make sure that your property is clean and accessible. All clutter should be cleared away, especially in key areas like fences and boundary lines. Cleaning the site will make it easier for the surveying team to inspect your property. 

Sites with overgrown grass and bushes are very difficult to assess. It takes more time and effort to survey a piece of land with trees and thick vegetation. As a result, the surveyor will charge more fees. To save costs, clear the land so that the surveyor can finish their job faster.

Involve your Neighbors

If you are getting a boundary survey, make sure to inform your neighbors first. A boundary survey helps define property corners or lines of a parcel of land. This type of land survey will determine whether the boundary between you and your neighbor is correct as described in the deed. 

Since you share boundaries with your neighbors, you may ask them if they are interested in getting their boundaries marked and evaluated. This way, you can split the survey costs and save some cash.

Look for Existing Deeds and Documents

Keeping important documents will lessen your survey costs. Existing records like maps, layout sketches, building plans, property deeds, and titles are essential evidence in surveying a piece of land. When you have a copy of these records, it will be easier for them to conduct the land survey. They will use these records to verify information regarding the property.

In case these documents are not available, most surveyors charge extra for obtaining records themselves. They may add a fee depending on how much research is required. That’s why you must prepare all the necessary deed records to reduce the survey cost.

Choose the Correct Survey Type

Land surveying companies offer different types of services. The most common are boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, drone mapping, and topographic surveys. Some survey types are more complex than others, which is why they also cost more. Before the survey work starts, make sure you’re getting the correct survey type for your needs. Only choose the type of survey that you require to avoid overpaying.

Compare Quotes from Different Surveyors

It’s expected that there will be competitive prices in the industry. When getting your land surveyed, it’s advisable to request estimates from 2-3 companies. You can tell the surveyor what you need, and they will give you an estimated cost. Keep in mind that the cheapest quote does not necessarily mean the best one.

Most land surveyors provide a standardized quote based on expected site conditions. However, they might charge a little more depending on factors like land size, terrain, and travel time. The total costs will be based on the time and effort spent on the project. We recommended that you discuss the survey expenses of the survey and get a written contract to establish the price and project timeline.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

At Pittsburgh Land Surveyors, we offer timely service and competitive pricing for all our customers. Our team is committed to completing your project on time and budget. We take pride in our experience in providing all types of land surveying for our residential and commercial clients, from FEMA elevation certificates to title surveys. No matter what type of land survey you need, we are here to give you immediate attention.

For all your surveying needs, feel free to get in touch with our friendly staff today. We look forward to working with you soon!