A few different types of land surveys can help determine certain features and boundaries of your property. These include:
Boundary surveys describe the actual borders of a property. These are generally required when trying to get construction permits issued.
Location surveys provide much of the same information as a boundary survey but also include in-depth information about any improvements made to your property.
Mortgage location surveys are usually required by lenders and title companies before financing or offering an insurance policy.
Site-planning surveys are done before applying for building permits and can be issued before any major home improvements.
Topographic surveys provide a formal map of land elevations. It can also describe the location and size of natural features and any land improvements.
If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.
To prepare for a land survey, you must thoroughly check your land surveyor’s qualifications, reviews, and fees to align with your expectations. When it is time for the survey to be conducted, ensure that you have all your documents organized and available, know and mark your property lines, and inform your neighbors that the survey is happening.
To hire a land surveyor, you need to start by searching online for reputable professionals in your area. Here are a few steps to take when making a shortlist:
Browse land surveyor service website
Check credentials
Read customer reviews
Find their contact information
Call or email to inquire about more information
Ask how far they travel, if you’re some distance away
Find out how they charge for their services
Ask about schedule and turnaround times
Repeat these steps for one to two other services and compare pricing
Land surveying costs about $530 for the average homeowner. However, your total cost could range anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more. Factors like the size of your property play a significant role in what you pay, but other things like the survey type and the time of year can also impact the final cost.
For example, if you’re looking for a simple boundary survey, you can expect to pay between $100 and $600. However, if you want a more in-depth survey that depicts the elevations of your hills and trees, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 for a topographic survey.
The King Cove, AK homeowners’ guide to land surveying services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Boundary surveys and topographic surveys provide important information about a property. Learn the differences between boundary and topographic surveys.
Wondering whether you need a land survey or a plot plan? Learn about the differences between the two, when to do each, and what information they provide.
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