How Much Does A Land Survey Cost?

Land surveys are used to determine property lines and the location of features on a property. There are seven main types of land survey, each with its own function, benefits, and cost. To help you find the right land survey for your needs, we explain the different types of land surveys out there and outline the cost of land surveys based on these types.

Landing surveying is extremely technical and requires the surveyor to have extensive training and certifications. Each state has its licensing requirements and a set amount of experience needed to perform a survey. Surveyors use specialized tools to measure a plot. They collect data for every point of the land and check angles and distances. They then use a form of marker, like stakes, to mark the boundaries of a plot. Surveyors also perform a lot of research about land records.

The nationwide average cost of a land survey is around $500, but this can be much higher depending on what city and state the property is located in, along with the size of the lot and type of survey that you need to be performed.

How much land surveys cost depends largely on the type of survey, size and shape of the property, and how much travel is involved for the surveyor.

Factors that dictate the cost of a land survey include:

• Acreage - The acreage of a property is one of the most significant factors in pricing a land survey. When having a lot surveyed over a couple of acres, the price can easily reach into the thousands.

• Terrain - Clear and flat areas are typically much less expensive to survey than land with lots of hills and vegetation. The more complicated the terrain is, the more a surveyor will charge.

• Type of survey - Different types of land surveys have vastly different costs. ALTA and new construction surveys are generally the most expensive, while property, boundary, and mortgage surveys are usually the least costly.

• Travel and research - A professional surveyor will research a property’s deeds and official records to compare them with the lot's walls and fences. The farther that a surveyor has to travel to reach the location, the more you will have to pay for their time.

Most people use a land survey when buying or selling land, or to prepare for a building project. It is crucial even for projects as small as building a new fence; you wouldn’t want to accidentally build on a neighbor’s land and have to redo your whole project from scratch. It is equally vital when closing on a real estate deal; a mortgage survey verifies what is actually on a property.

By having a professional examine and document your property, you can prevent future problems from arising about your boundaries.

Like in almost any business dealing, it is good to talk to several local professionals to get multiple estimates. Make sure to check a potential surveyor’s credentials; they need to be licensed and insured. You should also check their reviews and ask for references. Like any home improvement project, you shouldn’t choose a professional based solely on their prices. You always want a reputable surveyor performing the work if the property lines are ever disputed in a courtroom. A survey from a reliable professional is typically valid for five to ten years.

Land surveys document the exact boundary of your property lines and what lies on your land. These boundaries are essential to show a bank what they are lending on, show construction crews where to build, and so you know where you can make improvements on your lot. Keep your land survey up to date with new features and enhancements so that it always maintains accuracy.

Here is everything included in a detailed land survey.

• Boundary lines - Your professional survey will provide you with a certified written report that clearly details your boundary lines, and you’ll also get a separate sealed certification you can use whenever you need to show proof of your boundary lines for the next 5 to 10 years, depending on the law in your specific state.

• Easements - the legal ability of someone to use someone else's land for a specific purpose

• Rights-of-Way - the right of way when two pieces of land come together

• Overlaps - space where two people share the property due to an overlap in property lines

• Service entrances - places where service vehicles will enter the property

When you receive your land survey, always ensure that the address on the report matches the address on your deed. One seemingly miniscule difference in the paperwork can have devastating effects. It’s also important to note that documents without a proof of certification from an authorized organization cannot be used for legal purposes and can slow down construction projects.

While MySitePlan doesn’t offer land surveys, we can provide you with a non-certified site plan, which might be all you need to get a building permit or to prevent boundary disputes. You can find out more about site plans here, or get in touch below to get started!