How Much Should a Boundary Survey Cost?

At Berks Surveying & Engineering, Inc., we regularly receive feedback from potential customers about their concept of what the cost of surveying their property should be. However, many of these expectations are based on information they find through internet searches, which often overlook important mitigating factors.

Estimating the cost of a land survey involves conducting preliminary research into the property-in-question and possibly the surrounding parcels. This includes reviewing property records such as deeds, titles, county tax maps, acquiring past survey records, and/or recorded plans to identify boundaries, easements, encroachments, and restrictions.

The average cost of a boundary survey typically varies based on location, complexity, and size of the property. Here are several factors that influence the cost of a basic boundary survey:

Property Location

The drive time to and from the property from the surveyor’s office may impact the cost. Many cities or urban areas were never surveyed due to smaller lot sizes and the existence of approximate boundary indicators such as streets, party walls, fences, etc. Because of this, it may become necessary to measure the entire block or part of it.

Property Size

Larger properties, such as a 10-acre parcel, require more time and effort to survey than smaller properties (e.g., a 1-acre parcel), which contributes to a higher cost.

A surveyor skillfully maneuvers rocky terrain, highlighting the challenges and costs associated with land surveying in steep landscapes.

Topography & Complex Terrain

Properties that are wooded or have difficult terrain may cost more to survey due to the additional time and effort required to navigate these challenges. The presence of slopes greater than 15% will make the survey more challenging.

Surveyors navigate dense forest terrain, clearing obstacles to establish precise property lines, highlighting the additional cost factors involved in such challenging environments.

Obstructions

Trees, brush, fences, and buildings near or on the boundary line can complicate the survey. These potential obstacles may require clearing dense vegetation to navigate through the site. Costs may be reduced if a boundary survey for a forested property or one with wetlands and streams is scheduled during the foliage-free or drier months. You may be able to save money by scheduling the survey during late Fall, Winter, or early Spring when the leaves are down or haven’t started to emerge.

Lack of Curbs and Sidewalks

The absence of curbs and sidewalks along public streets may incurr more research and fieldwork to determine boundaries in urban areas.

Researching property deeds and records is required in order to determine the correct property boundaries and ownership.

Research & Data Processing

Deed and title research, record searches, and deed plotting are conducted before the physical field survey begins. Errors or inadequate metes and bounds descriptions in the property documents can lead to increased research time and fieldwork.

However, a land surveyor may have previously worked in the vicinity of the property and be able to use their records to shorten the amount of work required. If the property to be surveyed is a lot in a recent subdivision, then information on the existence of corner markers may assist the surveyor with locating and tying into a property line or corner.

One example of a concrete survey marker.

Presence of Existing Survey Markers

Existing survey markers can impact the cost of the survey if the surveyor can use these as reference points to locate and verify boundaries more efficiently. The abscense of existing survey markers, or those found at improper locations, will require additional time for field investigation and research to determine property boundaries.

Property line disputes can often be prevented or resolved with precise boundary markers set by a professionally licensed land surveyor.

When requesting quotes, it’s crucial to ask whether the surveyor is professionally licensed in the state where the survey will be conducted. If the survey is performed by an unlicensed surveyor or firm, the results may not be legally recognized if a boundary dispute arises or if boundary lines need to be corrected.

Land surveying has busy and slow seasons, depending on the climate zone. In the northeastern U.S., for example, demand for surveying typically increases in spring through fall, as these are peak months for fencing, landscaping, construction, and property improvements.

For best results, contact a local, professionally licensed land surveyor, such as Berks Surveying & Engineering, Inc., for a knowledgeable assessment of your unique property and get an informed estimate based on your specific needs.