Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why do I need a Land Surveyor and how do I choose one?
A. Land Surveyors are basically “expert measurers”**. All Professional Land Surveyors are required to have a minimum of 6 years combined field and office experience before receiving their license. Some may achieve these requirements by gaining a 4 year degree in Land Surveying (Bachelors of Applied Science - Land Surveying/Geomatics) along with two years of real world experience, while others joined apprentice programs, studying and working along side other licensed professionals to gain their licensure (Jerry falls into this category). Professional Land Surveyors (P.L.S.) licensed by the State Board of Registration are the only individuals legally permitted to perform land surveys*. A Land Surveyor should be chosen by their proven skill and judgment, not price alone*.
Q. How much will a survey cost?
A. A cost of a survey is determined by reviewing a few factors. This process is very much like putting a jigsaw puzzle together – that is missing some pieces: 1) Once the client describes the project objective and provides their Assessors Parcel Number, we research the recorded information (County Maps, Deeds, etc.) in order to determine the amount of control (monuments in the ground) present. In cases where most of the pieces to the jigsaw puzzle are available – the cost of the survey is lower because it requires less effort to determine the final “picture”. In cases where most of the pieces to the jigsaw puzzle are missing, the cost will be higher because it requires more effort. 2) After we have evaluated how many “pieces” we have to work with, we estimate the amount of time it will take to fill in the “holes of the puzzle”. We study the terrain of the location, which will determine the number of hours we are in the field and we calculate how many hours in the office it will take to fill in the missing information. 3) After we have established the recovery portion, we estimate how much time (field and office) it will take us to carry out your specific project requests. 4) After we have researched those variables, we will provide you an estimate of the number of hours each process will take us. We charge by the hour, as shown on our “Services and Rates” tab.
Q. What factors might make a survey more expensive?
A. If the recorded information surrounding your project is limited, much of our research must be performed in the field because we have no basis to create an estimate. In addition, the size and shape of your property directly affect the amount of time spent in the field (larger projects generally require more time). In addition, if the terrain of the project is mountainous, the price will increase because it is more time consuming to hike up mountains than it is to survey a level parcel. Finally, any unforeseen requirements that are presented by the Planning Department, Title Company, or other official agency will also increase cost because we must comply with any regulations presented by these agencies.
Q. Are your estimates ever wrong?
A. Yes. Sometimes, after completing the initial recorded information research that is used to compile your estimate, we may find a very different story out in the field. Monuments may be missing that were shown as existing on the recorded map, or they may be in different locations than shown on the recorded map. In such case where we find that our work will exceed our estimated cost, we will provide you with an extra work order, detailing the additional processes required, in order to complete your project to your specific request. It is your decision to continue with that additional work order, or to discontinue the project. We will not continue without your approval first.
In contrast, sometimes when we arrive at the site, we find that the monuments are very easy to locate and we complete the project much faster than anticipated.
Q. Are you affiliated with the County offices?
A. No. We are a private land surveying firm. All of our maps and documents must be submitted to the County for review, approval, and final recording, but we have no affiliation with any agency.
Q. Should I explain why I want the survey?
A. Yes. If you explain why you want a survey, we can recommend the type of survey you need*. In addition, it is common for neighbors and other interested individuals to stop by on the site to inquire about the project we are working. Please let us know if you would rather keep this information private.
Q. Why are there conflicting boundary and easement lines?
A. It is often true that boundary/easement line disputes, gaps, and overlaps are a result of legal descriptions that were originally written and recorded without the benefit of the services of a competent Land Surveyor. It is important to have these lines properly described and surveyed, if necessary, when property or easement lines are created or changed. Any newly created or adjusted boundary line requires processing through the local government agency as required by the Subdivision Map Act and local ordinance*.
*Reference: C01/TS/Form-007 Rev: 08/89
**Reference: NALS Conference 2007 –
