Q. When do I need to Hire a surveyor?

A. Typically you should hire a surveyor any time you purchase real property, divide a parcel of land for sale, and before construction of improvements.

Q. How much will it cost to survey my land? 

A. While there is no set fee for any particular survey. The cost of most surveys is determined based on the following factors:

• Size and Shape of the Property: An irregularly shaped parcel will take longer to survey than a rectangular parcel of the same size.

• Accessibility: The size of the parcel, and the relative ease or difficulty in reaching the property corners will  impact the time required to conduct a survey.

• Amount of boundary evidence: Property corners may be marked by an iron, wood, or stone monument. Old fences and occupation lines are also a valuable boundary evidence for the surveyor. Absence of  such evidence may cause difficulties in retracing the original survey.

• Local Knowledge of Property: It is very helpful if someone is able to point out accepted occupation lines and survey monuments.

• Terrain: A level parcel of land is easier to survey than a mountain parcel.

• Vegetation: The surveyor may need to clear dense vegetation prior work. Shrubs, flowers, and trees on home sites are normally not disturbed, but may require additional field time to perform work around them.

• Land Records Search: This can play heavily in the cost of a survey. In general a lot created by a Subdivision Plat will cost less than a parcel created by a deed description. Other factors may include: the number of parcels to be surveyed; and the number of past transactions.

Q. Why do you need a survey when you are refinancing or obtaining a mortgage?

A. Mortgage companies, Title companies, and banks require a survey before lending money because they want to ensure that their investment is sound and conforming to the local zoning laws and also protected for future transactions.