Get matched with top land surveyors in De Smet, SD

Q: What does a land surveyor look for?

• <div><p>Depending on the type of land survey, the report will mark the boundaries of your property, the topographical changes of the landscape, as well as major natural and added structures to the plot. A more detailed survey, like an as-built survey, will note the measurements of the structures and landscape following major construction. A topographic survey will also help your contractor determine the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/site-development-costs.htm">cost of land development projects</a>.</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>

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: Do you need a permit to clear land?

• <div><p>Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/land-clearing-services/">land-clearing specialist near you</a> to see if permits are necessary for your job.</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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Stumbling Bison Inc

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Stumbling Bison Inc

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18 years of experience

We provide drafting services for Home owners, Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors. Currently we have two employees and two subcontractors in Architectural design, Engineering and Civil Design.

Land Surveying questions, answered by experts

Depending on the type of land survey, the report will mark the boundaries of your property, the topographical changes of the landscape, as well as major natural and added structures to the plot. A more detailed survey, like an as-built survey, will note the measurements of the structures and landscape following major construction. A topographic survey will also help your contractor determine the cost of land development projects.

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.

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.

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.

Before property transactions or major improvements to ensure accuracy.

The De Smet, SD 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.
Dan Simms
•
Nov 24, 2025Nov 24, 2025
How Much Does a Land Survey Cost? [2026 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.
Dan Simms
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
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.
Dan Simms
•
Nov 20, 2024Nov 20, 2024
Land Survey vs. Plot Plan: What’s the Difference?
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.
Jouviane Alexandre
•
Dec 18, 2024Dec 18, 2024
How to Find Property Lines for a Fence: 7 Easy Ways
Knowing where your property lines are can help settle a dispute with a neighbor and even prevent an ugly legal battle. This guide will help you draw the line.