Get matched with top land surveyors in Shoshone, ID

A land survey can take anywhere from a few hours to a month or more, depending on the size of the property, the type of survey, the property’s accessibility and topography, and the availability of historical property records. A simple boundary survey to determine a fence line can be completed in a day while surveying 50 acres of undeveloped woodlands may take weeks or longer.

Professionals who complete perc tests can usually do them in a single day. Including excavating to expose the test site, filling the hole with water, and monitoring it while it drains, you can expect the test to take between four and eight hours total. It’s possible that you’ll get the results the same day, but some companies may take a few days to get official results.

Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you’re removing from the land. Some building departments will require permits for any underground work or excavation, meaning grinding down tree stumps on your property would require permits. Others mandate individual permits for each tree you remove. You can contact your local building department or a land-clearing specialist near you to see if permits are necessary for your job.

If you or your mortgage lender think your land survey needs to be more accurate, double-check the survey report and get at least a second opinion from the original surveyor and an inspector, if possible. Although it’s unlikely, even reputable surveying companies can make mistakes. An inaccurate survey can cause problems down the road in the case of any property line disputes, so it’s best to resolve any inaccuracies as quickly as possible.