Not everyone is up for the job of performing a land survey. It requires measuring properties and mapping out boundary lines. Due to the complexity of the job itself, not everyone can be an expert in land surveying. A professional surveyor should have diverse skills and a good knowledge of the industry.
That’s why it’s not always easy to choose a good land surveyor. This blog highlights the qualities that you should look for when hiring a land surveyor. Follow our guide to ensure you’re working with someone experienced and reliable.
Solid Reputation
If you search for land surveyors online, you will find hundreds of companies promoting their services. It might be difficult to find a good surveyor when you have a lot of options. For your peace of mind, hire a surveyor with a proven track record and solid reputation in your area. You may look for their portfolio of past projects and customer reviews.
Instead of advertisements, it’s better to read reviews that are unbiased and objective. Always take the time to read client testimonials because these attest to the surveyors’ credibility. The more positive reviews they have, the more trustworthy they are as a surveying company. As much as possible, stay clear of companies with bad ratings and fake reviews.
Proper License and Qualifications
A surveyor’s license is more than just a document. Being licensed means they are legally allowed to do work in the surveying industry. When a surveyor is licensed, they are trained and credible to handle the project.
To get a professional license, a land surveyor must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a degree from an accredited four-year surveying program
- Take and achieve a passing score on the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam and the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam
- Pass the state-specific license exam, if applicable
- Gain years of hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed surveyor
- Become certified as a land surveyor-in-training
- Apply for licensure as a professional surveyor
Avoid working with a surveyor without a proper license and certificate. Unlicensed surveyors are likely to perform subpar work because they don’t follow regulating authorities. Although they offer cheaper services, you may end up being liable for injuries sustained on the job.
Strong Communication Skills
Land surveys involve terms and jargon that you might not be familiar with. A qualified land surveyor must be a good communicator. Effective communication is vital in collaborating within the survey team or speaking to clients. Although communication is often referred to as a soft skill, it is important, especially in facilitating the exchange of information.
Aside from analytical skills, your land surveyor must know how to communicate well and discuss the whole process. Find a professional who can answer your questions with ease and confidence. This way, it’s easier to understand the details of the survey findings. Moreover, effective communication can ensure that the project runs smoothly and as planned.
Access to Survey Tools and Technology
Accuracy and precision are crucial in land surveying. Even a slight error in the results can lead to legal problems. To prevent this from happening, many land surveyors use different tools and equipment for the job. These are the instruments that land surveyors typically utilize:
- GPS Equipment
- Theodolite
- Markers and Rods
- Total Stations
- 3D Scanners
- Surveying Prisms
- Surveying Bipods and Tripods
When choosing a land surveyor, ask if they are using the right tools. They should have access to the necessary equipment and technology to achieve the most accurate results.
A good land surveyor ensures that their tools are calibrated and maintained to the highest standards. The quality of the survey equipment has a significant impact on the accuracy of boundary lines and measurements. Poorly maintained equipment can result in quality issues and create unsafe working conditions, which should be avoided at all costs.
Are You Looking for a Land Surveyor?
Keep an eye out for these qualities so that you can choose the most qualified surveyor for the job. When it comes to high-quality surveys, Pittsburgh Land Surveyors is here to serve. Our team goes the extra mile in performing a wide array of services like mortgage surveys, construction surveys, flood elevation certifications, and more. Reach out today and let us guide you through the surveying process. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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