If you are planning to buy or sell your property, a land survey is one of the most important steps in the process. Determining property lines is important in preventing boundary issues between neighbors. Land surveys describe property boundaries, site features, project boundaries, and rights-of-way. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the cost of land surveys.

Land survey costs range between $400 and $700. The national average is around $500. Several factors contribute to the total costs of hiring a professional land surveyor. The amount that you will pay will depend on the scope of the work, size of the property, and other aspects:

Factors in Calculating Land Survey Cost 

  • Type and Size of the Lot
  • Age of the Property
  • Geographical Location
  • Terrain and Ground Level Accessibility
  • Past Land Surveys Conducted
  • Time of the Year
  • Type of Land Survey Required
  • Boundary Line Adjustments
  • Existence of Markers and Monuments
  • Recertification

Cost Per Type of Land Survey

Boundary Survey

This is a process for determining the property lines and legal boundaries of a parcel of land. Different states have different requirements when it comes to getting boundary surveys. In general, property buyers and sellers are encouraged to hire professional surveyors. Knowing the property lines will help in determining how much the land is really worth.

When you hire a surveying company, expect to pay $100 to $600 on average. They will establish the legal boundaries and provide you with a legal description of the parcel.

Topographic Survey

Utilized by developers and engineers, a topographic survey ranges from $500 to $1,200 for lots under 10,000 square feet. This type of survey is used to record coordinates so that you can visualize an area of land. In addition, topographic surveys locate man-made features, complex terrains, and natural elements. Surveying fees may go high for plots with elevations and streams.

Survey for a Fence Line

Fences should be built along the property line. If you want to check if your fences are in the right place, a land survey will be helpful. Fence surveys usually cost $250 to $1,000. When you build a fence over the boundaries, you will have to remove them and put proper fencing.

Mortgage Survey

Typically, mortgage surveys are used to confirm the property’s value. Lenders may require this legal document from you if you want to buy extended title insurance. Borrowers may hire a surveyor to qualify with a lender when purchasing a property. Like other survey types, a mortgage survey will determine the property boundaries. You might pay around $500 for the surveying fees.

ALTA Survey

An American Land Title Association (ALTA) survey shows you all the property improvements. This is a combination of different surveys like boundary surveys, as-built surveys, and title surveys. It shows a detailed land parcel map, which includes the boundaries, utilities, floodplains, and more. ALTA survey costs range between $2,000 and $3,000, which is one of the most extensive surveys.

As-Built Survey

This survey describes the layout and position of the building “as it was built.” Most as-built surveys are carried out post-construction to comply with government or lender requirements. Land surveyors who specialize in as-built surveys use precise lasers to create a 3D rendering of the building or land itself. It shows the features of both inside and outside of the structure. If you want to get an as-built survey, you will have to pay $800 to $1,200 on average.

Survey for Property Additions

Whether you are adding a new garage, patio, or deck, it’s recommended to hire a surveyor. A land assessment should be done before you install a new feature close to a boundary line. This will prevent you from possibly enroaching your neighbor’s property. Think twice before you tackle any improvement project. You should have your boundary lines defined first to avoid future disputes.

We Are Your Trusted Surveying Specialists

For fast and accurate land surveying services, you can count on none other than Pittsburgh Land Surveyors. Our team consists of licensed professionals who will provide you with land survey documents. We focus on providing excellent service and expertise at price points designed to fit your budget. 

To learn more about what we offer, feel free to reach out to our friendly staff today. We look forward to completing your surveying project!