Survey cost example

Surveying Fee Explanation!

Typical Architect Survey Request

I had an architect who works on custom home designs reach out to me recently about doing a boundary survey and topographic survey for a lot on the California Central Coast. The architect was trying to slam a $700k ADU on a tiny parcel a stone's throw from the beach. We told him it would be $15K to $25K to provide a boundary survey and topographic survey in 10 working days.

This is a lot on the coast, which isn't marked by monuments and hasn't been surveyed in over 100 years. The city is a 7 hour drive from our office in Oakdale, California.

The architect replied to my e-mail outraged that we'd charge more than $6K for a land survey. Here was my response:

I don't run a two-person point and shoot survey company. I've got 3 trucks, a million dollars of equipment, software, and computers. I have a highly skilled team of 16 surveyors that has taken 5 years to build.

We deliver high-quality surveys with turn-around times unheard of in real estate - and we actually answer our phone.

We don't do any surveys for under $15K.

You can pay $6K for a survey - but then you get what you pay for. We work for people in land development who understand time is money, and surveys are the foundation of a good design.

We also understand our business model isn't a good fit for many clients, especially home-owners.

I think of it this way: The real estate agent who last sold your client's house made a $51,000 commission - for what most people would consider significantly less work, liability and application of expertise. My fee is half of that real estate commission.

I'd reach out to a local company.

Have a good weekend!