How much does a survey cost?

This is the second question everyone asks about my professional Land Surveying Services! Read this OSPS (PLSO) publication to find out?

The cost for most land surveying work is based on the following variables:

-Type of survey – Costs may increase as the required precision and scope of the survey increases.

-Record search – Research varies by the number of parcels involved and the number of past transactions

-Size and shape of property – An irregularly shaped parcel has more corners to monument than a rectangular parcel containing the same area.

-Sectionalized survey work – This could require the survey of the entire section (± 640 acres) in which the land being surveyed lies, regardless of the area of the parcel. In some cases, a survey of more than one section is required.

-Terrain – A level parcel of land is easier to survey than a mountainous parcel.

-Vegetation – Branches, brush, and small trees must frequently be cleared to afford a line of sight for the surveyor. Shrubs, flowers, and trees on home sites are normally not disturbed, but additional field time may be required to work around them.

-Accessibility – The time to perform the field surveying work varies with the accessibility to the corners on the site.

-Amount of existing evidence on the property – Existing evidence such as iron, wood, stone monuments, old fences, occupation lines, and monumentation is a considerable aid to the surveyor.

-Time of Year – In summer, foliage may present problems making work difficult. In winter, snow/ice may increase travel time and make work difficult.

-Title Company requirements – Title companies may require more documentation than is normally required by the average landowner.

Because of these variables, it is difficult to determine exact fees. However, based on past experience the Surveyor can usually furnish an approximate estimate of the costs.