Frequently Asked Questions
Surveyors can’t know the amount or quality of evidence before beginning an investigation. That’s why we often provide a price range or note certain conditions instead of giving a fixed quote. When we do agree to a fixed price, it’s because we’re taking a calculated risk, guided by our knowledge and experience. Land surveying is complex work that rarely has simple answers. Always choose professionals who are skilled, careful, and thorough.
How much does a boundary survey cost?
Unfortunately, it depends. The amount of available evidence from past records like maps and deeds, along with what physical evidence and markers are available in the field, determine the price. Hourly rates are listed below, but a professional survey generally starts around $3k. To provide an accurate estimate, a professional surveyor needs:
Address of property
Current Deed
Preliminary research often starts with the property address and a review of the deed. This helps clarify the project and potential costs. In a resurvey, a surveyor’s role is to re-establish property lines using the best available evidence—ideally, the original corners and boundary markers. Finding and analyzing that evidence, from records to fieldwork, leads to a professional opinion of the true boundary, which is then reported to the client through maps, documentation, or direct advice.
Survey quotes may seem high at first, but remember: a land surveyor is a licensed professional, held to strict ethical and technical standards—much like a doctor or lawyer. Realtors or assessor’s offices may suggest a survey can be done for $200, but that overlooks the liability and responsibility surveyors carry. For example, on a $500,000 property, even 1% of the land’s value equals $5,000. By comparison, the county assessor’s property tax rate averages 1%, and realtors often charge a 1% commission. Professional surveys reflect not just time, but accountability, risk, and expertise.
how long does a boundary survey take?
The complete Boundary Survey process can take 6-8 months, which includes the process of filing a Record of Survey, if required. Many factors, such as the complexity of the Boundary itself, the amount of evidence or lack thereof to retrace the Boundary, and the workload of the County reviewing the survey map, all contribute to the timeline.
Can I expect the same outcome no matter which surveyor I use?
Even when working from the same evidence, qualified surveyors may produce slightly different results. In rural areas, differences might be measured in feet; in urban areas, in inches. However, experienced surveyors who know the local conditions should arrive at results that are very close, no matter the setting.
CAN YOU SURVEY ONE LINE OF MY PROPERTY?
A boundary survey for one line costs the same as a survey for the entire property, as the same amount of work is needed to establish one line as the rest.
what are your hourly rates?
Principle: $200.00
Project Manager: $150.00
Two Person Survey Crew: $250.00
Survey Tech: $100.00
Expert Witness: $500.00