How do you calculate real estate development costs?

• <div><p>You should always calculate real estate development costs on a case-by-case basis, so there’s no specific formula to estimate your total. You should speak with a local construction manager to see what you’ll need to do in terms of clearing and leveling the land, connecting utilities, and pulling permits for construction. A professional will be able to get you an accurate estimate for land development. </p></div>

What should I consider when planning land survey costs?

• <div><p>When planning for land survey costs, you should consider the following elements as major contributors to the overall cost:</p><ul><li><p>Size of your property in terms of acres or square feet</p></li><li><p>Complexity of the terrain in terms of hills, elevation changes, rocks, water, and other features</p></li><li><p>Type of survey you need (boundary survey, topographic survey, or a combination of survey types)</p></li><li><p>Distance traveled for the professional surveyor </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What should I do before hiring an excavation company?

• <div><p>Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.</p><p>To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn&rsquo;t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.</p><p>Before you carry out any digging, you should call 311 to confirm that there are no utility lines running through your excavation site. Skipping this step could lead to severe injury and property damage if your excavator hits a water, sewage, or gas line.</p></div>

Q: What do the little lines on the tape measure mean?

• <div><p>The small lines on the tape measure either indicate inches, fractions of an inch, or centimeters and millimeters. On the imperial unit side (aka the inches side), the longest lines indicate inches, followed by the next shortest lines that indicate a half-inch, and then the quarter, eighth, and sixteenth-inch. On the metric side, the lines break down meters, centimeters, and millimeters.</p></div>

Q: How often should land surveys be conducted?

• <div><p>Before property transactions or major improvements to ensure accuracy.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Land Surveying pros in Elgin, MN

*The Angi rating for Land Surveying companies in Elgin, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Land Surveying companies in Elgin, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

Last update on October 17, 2025

Reviewed in October 2016
They are comprehensive horticulturists, land and trees. Very professional, explain things very well, and thorough.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in June 2015
Roger Payne is a land developer (Century Hills subdivision) and landlord in Rochester, MN. We rented a home from him starting in August 2014. We strongly recommend against doing business of any sort with Roger Payne or his business, Payne Company due to lack of integrity, ethics, and poor...
Roger Payne / Payne Company
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Reviewed in June 2015
I have purchased 5 houses in 5 different states. She is head and shoulders above all the realtors I have ever dealt with. If you want an honest professional that gives advice she's the one for you. Unlike other agents I have dealt with, Sonda looks for houses within your stated price range....
FEATHERSTONE REAL ESTATE
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Reviewed in March 2015
This business engages in bait and switch. They sent me two coupons: one for an oil change for $19.99 and one for a tire rotation/brake check for $9.99, so I took the car in for those services. When I showed my coupons to the service person he said I could only use one, so I said okay, I'll...
Rochester Mazda
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Reviewed in April 2014
He did an excellent job. The drive and the stairs were clear when we returned to the land of ice and snow. His bill was fair and reasonable.
Keefe's Services
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Reviewed in January 2014
While all the folks we worked with were friendly, the service was anything but timely. We had to consistently follow up with them on the progress of our survey and install. We placed a deposit in early July (just prior to the 4th) and didn't have a complete fence until mid-August. We understood...
American Fencing
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Reviewed in June 2013
Our home is built on a small hill and water from the snow melt in spring runs down into our home's foundation. We decided to have two ponds built to trap the water, and were eager to have Brian come out and help us with a design layout for our existing landscape. In addition, we wanted a design...
ProScapes
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Reviewed in December 2012
The land surveyor crew came out and received the land survey the following week. Happy with the service.
KEMPER & ASSOCIATES
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Reviewed in November 2011
Gary responded very quickly to my request to look at the trees at a house I recently purchased. He identified 2 very sick oak trees and 2 more oaks that should be trimmed. He agreed with me that it would be a good idea to remove 2 pines and an elm that were very close to the house. He also...
Cutting Edge Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2010
This is the third time we have used Ryan Window and Siding. They have replaced six windows, 1 storm door and the sliding door. They are dependable--giving estimates which they abide by, prompt service and good clean up. What I appreciate the most is their emphasis on customer satisfaction. ...
Renewal by Andersen of Rochester, MN
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Land Surveying questions, answered by experts

Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.

To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn’t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.

Before you carry out any digging, you should call 311 to confirm that there are no utility lines running through your excavation site. Skipping this step could lead to severe injury and property damage if your excavator hits a water, sewage, or gas line.

You should always calculate real estate development costs on a case-by-case basis, so there’s no specific formula to estimate your total. You should speak with a local construction manager to see what you’ll need to do in terms of clearing and leveling the land, connecting utilities, and pulling permits for construction. A professional will be able to get you an accurate estimate for land development.

The small lines on the tape measure either indicate inches, fractions of an inch, or centimeters and millimeters. On the imperial unit side (aka the inches side), the longest lines indicate inches, followed by the next shortest lines that indicate a half-inch, and then the quarter, eighth, and sixteenth-inch. On the metric side, the lines break down meters, centimeters, and millimeters.

Before property transactions or major improvements to ensure accuracy.

When planning for land survey costs, you should consider the following elements as major contributors to the overall cost:

Size of your property in terms of acres or square feet
Complexity of the terrain in terms of hills, elevation changes, rocks, water, and other features
Type of survey you need (boundary survey, topographic survey, or a combination of survey types)
Distance traveled for the professional surveyor

The Elgin, MN homeowners’ guide to land surveying services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Aug 18, 2025Aug 18, 2025
How Much Does Site Preparation Cost? [2025 Data]
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Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Land Survey Cost? [2025 Data]
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Ginny Bartolone
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Apr 14, 2025Apr 14, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land? [2025 Data]
Just bought a plot of land and need to get it build-ready? Learn how much it costs to clear land to gauge your initial budget before you break ground.
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Nov 12, 2024Nov 12, 2024
Who Does Land Surveys?
A land surveyor can perform a land survey and help clarify your property boundaries and features. Use this guide to find the right professional.
Ginny Bartolone
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8 Types of Lands Surveys and How They're Used
If you've just been told that you need a land survey to continue your project, what time of land survey do you really need? Here are eight main options.
Dan Simms
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Nov 18, 2024Nov 18, 2024
Land Survey vs. Boundary Survey: What’s the Difference?
Not sure what kind of property survey you need? Learn about the differences between a land survey vs. a boundary survey to get started.