Get matched with top land surveyors in Smithfield, PA

Q: Do surveys have to be recorded?

• <div><p>Surveys completed by licensed surveyors can be recorded with a local surveying records office, and in most cases, they will be. Filing survey reports categorize them as legal documents, and they can be used whenever legal documentation of your property&rsquo;s boundaries is needed. While you&rsquo;re not required to file survey documents, it&rsquo;s a good idea to do so. </p></div>

Q: How do pros determine the right slope for my landscape?

• <div><p>Pros will assess your soil type, property geography, and rain patterns for optimal slope.</p></div>

Q: How do you prepare for a land survey?

• <div><p>To prepare for a land survey, you must thoroughly check your land surveyor&rsquo;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. </p></div>

Q: What if I can’t find any records of when my house was built?

• <div><p>If you can&rsquo;t find any records online, you&rsquo;ll need to contact your county clerk&rsquo;s office to do further research. They should have property records on file, or can at least point you in the right direction of who to contact. You can also speak with your neighbors about when their houses were built because they were likely built around the same time. </p></div>

Q: Can you build on undeveloped land?

• <div><p>You can&rsquo;t build on undeveloped land without preparing it for construction, which involves running utilities to the site or accounting for private utilities like wells and septic systems and grading and compacting the soil for safe construction. Once you prepare the land, you can build on it as long as the project abides by local zoning regulations.</p></div>

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Above It Contracting

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Welcome to Above It Contracting! Serving Allegheny County and surrounding areas with expert home remodel needs, moving and delivery services, and many other general contracting purposes.

Land Surveying questions, answered by experts

Surveys completed by licensed surveyors can be recorded with a local surveying records office, and in most cases, they will be. Filing survey reports categorize them as legal documents, and they can be used whenever legal documentation of your property’s boundaries is needed. While you’re not required to file survey documents, it’s a good idea to do so.

Pros will assess your soil type, property geography, and rain patterns for optimal slope.

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.

If you can’t find any records online, you’ll need to contact your county clerk’s office to do further research. They should have property records on file, or can at least point you in the right direction of who to contact. You can also speak with your neighbors about when their houses were built because they were likely built around the same time.

You can’t build on undeveloped land without preparing it for construction, which involves running utilities to the site or accounting for private utilities like wells and septic systems and grading and compacting the soil for safe construction. Once you prepare the land, you can build on it as long as the project abides by local zoning regulations.

The Smithfield, PA 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]
Discover site preparation cost estimates, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help homeowners budget for their next project.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Land Survey Cost? [2025 Data]
A land survey can determine your property’s borders and settle property disputes. Learn how much a land survey costs and what can affect the price.
Ginny Bartolone
•
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.
Rachel Hoffman
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Nov 18, 2024Nov 18, 2024
Boundary Survey vs. Topographic Survey
Boundary surveys and topographic surveys provide important information about a property. Learn the differences between boundary and topographic surveys.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Oct 30, 2024Oct 30, 2024
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
•
Nov 19, 2024Nov 19, 2024
Who Pays for a Land Survey: Buyer or Seller?
Real estate transactions often require a survey, but who pays for it? Learn who pays for a land survey in most cases and some exceptions to the norm.