Surveying a piece of land is a very complex process. Professional land surveyors need to gather accurate information on the site. Aside from this, they are expected to take several measures and perform demanding physical labor. They should have enough technical skills and knowledge to complete the job successfully.
That being said, survey costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of land. In this blog, we will break down the steps of surveying and the costs that come with it.
The Land Surveying Process
Step 1: Obtain Existing Deeds and Documents
The beginning phase of a land survey is title and deed research. Surveyors need to obtain and review existing property deeds before they ever set foot on the property. They need to read all the pertinent documents and interpret the accurate property lines. By analyzing the history of a parcel, it’s easier to evaluate the true boundaries of the property.
Step 2: Conduct a Field Survey
The next step would be going to the property to perform the fieldwork. Land surveyors must use specialized survey equipment to obtain data and verify the location. Aside from property markers like monuments and fences, they will locate existing buildings and adjacent structures. After establishing the true boundaries, surveyors are allowed to mark the property lines with new markers.
Step 3: Prepare the Survey Report
After the field survey work, they will prepare the property description. A survey report will include the following:
- Outline of boundaries
- Lot size and dimensions
- Geographic features
- Natural and man-made landmarks
- Contours and elevation differences
- Property corners
- Adjacent properties
How Much Does a Land Survey Cost?
No two land surveys are exactly the same. There are different types of surveys—each with its own costs.
- Boundary Survey – $100 to $600
- Topographic Survey and Review – $500 to $1,200
- Mortgage Survey – $500
- Survey for New Construction Homes – $1,000 to $2,000
- Survey for Fence Installation – $250 to $1,000
- ALTA Survey – $2,000 to $3,000
- As-Built Survey – $800 to $1,200
- Construction Staking – $200 to $500
- Plot Plan or Plat Surveys – $75 to $200
Two Considerations When Calculating Surveys Costs
Time
The cost of land surveying will be proportionate to the time and effort put into it. In general, professional surveyors assess the amount of time required to complete the project. If your land has complete deeds and documents, it will take less time to research. Your surveyor will likely charge less because their work becomes easier and more efficient. They will also consider the following factors:
- Size of the parcel
The larger the land, the more time they will measure the property’s boundaries.
- Shape of the parcel
Rectangular parcels are easier and cheaper to survey than irregular ones.
- Amount of foliage or trees covering the property
The thicker and heavier the coverage, the longer it takes to perform the survey. If you have bushes or trees on your property, your surveyor will have to remove them.
- Age of the area
In general, newer regions and building areas are easier to survey than areas over 60 years of age.
- Corners vs. lines
It will be cheaper if only the corners need to be marked. On the other hand, marking points along the property line is more labor-extensive, which means it will be more expensive.
- Proximity
Travel time is a factor that should always be considered. The closeness of your property to the location of the surveying company will affect the costs.
Expenditures
These are the hard costs associated with your surveying project. Hard costs are often referred to as all the expenses payable for supplies, materials, and labor. These costs are fixed or can be estimated quickly. Here are the common hard costs during a land survey:
- Research and record expenses charged by the registry of deeds and title companies
- Equipment costs in case specialized equipment are required
Schedule a Land Survey Today
When getting your land surveyed, it’s necessary to request quotes from different companies. Pittsburgh Land Surveyors offers no-obligation quotes to our clients. Whether you need an ALTA survey or flood elevation certification, we have you covered!
As top-rated surveyors, we pride ourselves on producing accurate results. You can count on us for affordable and high-quality surveying services. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your surveying needs. We look forward to working with you!
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