Common types of property surveys
Depending on your needs, you might need a boundary survey, ALTA survey and easement survey or another survey type. Figure out which one you need before you hire a land surveyor. Boundary survey
A boundary survey (or property line survey) shows landowners exactly where the real property lines lay. The surveyor may use a previous survey, maps, deeds, monuments, witness testimony and other elements to complete this type of job to mark property corners.
ALTA survey
Also known as a title survey, an American Land Title Association survey is conducted for title insurance and often includes details needed for a specific transaction. This survey is usually required when buying or selling property, when buying vacant land to build on or when seeking as much detailed information on a piece of the land as possible.
An ALTA/ACSM survey includes all boundaries, improvements, structures, easements and more. The survey adheres to strict standards and will provide you with the strongest legal backing. The surveyor will identify and mark features like fences, utility lines, historical structures, roads and more.
Easement survey
This is a survey completed to outline easements for water lines, roads, utilities, septic, rights-of-way and other types of improvements. Typically, this type of survey is done on a small part of land for a specific purpose.
Topographic survey
Sometimes a property owner needs to know a property’s features and elevation to manage drainage, setback from a waterfront, new construction placement and more. A topographical survey includes contoured lines indicating natural features like bodies of water, fences, roads, streets, driveways, trees and more.
You might need a topographic survey if you plan on adding on to your home, landscaping, installing a pool, adding a pond to your yard and more.
Subdividing a property
A subdivision survey divides an existing piece of real estate into smaller parcels. This requires knowing exactly where the boundaries are, and it sometimes requires the additional help of an engineer when the survey is complicated.
When to hire a land surveyor
You need a FEMA Elevation Certificate
Your property may be in an area deemed vulnerable to flooding. If this is the case, your lender may require you to obtain flood insurance. A licensed surveyor can draw up a site plan that marks your property’s elevation in relation to the nearest floodplain.
Protect your new home or land
Because a new home or land purchase is likely the largest investment you’ll make, it’s worth protecting it. A surveyor can ensure your property’s boundaries align with what is being sold. In the case of the land being smaller than advertised, you could gain bargaining power. In other instances, you will know with certainty which man-made or natural features are on your property.
Parceling an existing lot
If you want to split and divide your property, you’ll need a surveyor. This is important for legal purposes and to ensure buyers know what they’re looking at, as well as for establishing where utilities lie and where structures can be located.
When installing a border fence or landscaping
If you plan on planting trees, bushes or other landscaping along your border — or if you want to install fencing or a wall — you may need a surveyor to ensure the project is done correctly. If the new additions encroach on a neighbor’s property, you may have to pay to have them removed. When building an addition
Whether it’s a room or garage addition, make sure you know where your property lines are before building. This will help determine the building setback and ensure the structure is allowed. How to hire a land surveyor
The best way to find and hire a land surveyor is to research and compare professionals in your local area. Read customer reviews and ratings, and ask important questions when contacting surveyors. For example, you can ask: Do you provide free estimates?
What did similar surveys in my area cost?
How long will it take to survey my property?
Make sure the surveyor you hire has the required credentials and license in your area.
Contact several land surveyors and have as much information as possible on hand, including any existing surveys and deeds. They can often give you a quicker and more accurate quote if you can access the deed and title.
Select the best surveyor among a shortlist of top surveyors you’ve identified.
Find a land surveyor near you
FAQs
Can you survey your own land?
You can survey your own land, but should only do so if you are certain of your abilities and documentation is clear enough to make the right calculations. You should hire a land surveyor if time is of the essence, if you lack the proper instrumentation or if you don’t have the necessary skills. Who typically pays for a land survey?
The person who wants the survey typically pays for it. In the case of a real estate transaction, this is often the land buyer, according to Zillow.