Frequently Asked Questions about Surveying

How much will the survey cost?
Cost estimates can be generated based on the anticipated time to complete the project. The amount of time to complete the project can, however, be widely variable depending on the amount of information available prior to any field work, the amount of difficulty in obtaining field measurements, and the specific documents requested out of the survey.

When should you have a survey completed?
There are several instances in which a survey of commercial or private land is necessary and/or desirable. A survey should be ordered whenever there is a conveyance of any parcel of land in order to ensure the location of the boundaries of the land. Surveys can also be completed to show the location or ownership of land-based features, whether man-made or natural, and to obtain Title Insurance Coverage over matters of survey. In the case of a property transfer survey, the survey should always be completed and available as part of your closing if the property is being mortgaged. Mortgage companies most generally require a survey to locate the improvements. If the property is to be developed, a topographic survey will be required to locate existing improvements, utilities and drainage features in order to provide an adequate engineering base for design.

What things can you do to reduce the cost of your survey?
First and foremost, you should make the surveyor aware of any previous surveys that have been completed on or surrounding the property if you aware of any. Also, present any documents you have regarding the ownership of the land to the surveyor. Another action you could take would be to let the surveyor be aware of any property monuments near the survey and, if possible, mark the monument to make it easier to locate. Make a title commitment available to the surveyor or have your title agent fax the title commitment to the surveyor. Removing and obstacles on the property that may slow the surveyor should be considered.

What are the benefits of having a land survey completed?
If the property corners had not previously been marked, a land survey will mark and monument them. A Plat of Survey can also then be prepared and signed by the surveyor which shows the nature of the monuments found or set, measurements of all property lines, and any encroachments, building lines, and easements. If requested, the surveyor can also show the location of all buildings or specially noted markers on the parcel.

What qualities should you look for in a Texas surveying company?
Inquire as to the primary line of business the surveyor provides services (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, etc.). Inquire as to the years the firm has been in business. Successful firms have usually been in business a number of years. Is the principle of the firm a Registered Professional Land Surveyor ? Does the firm have "Errors and Omissions Insurance" ? Inquire as to what standards the survey will be performed (TSPS Category 1AII, ALTA/ACSM). Always ask for a written proposal that details exactly what the scope of service is, the fee to be charged (including payment terms), and the projected date of completion. The company that performs your survey should be familiar with the area in which the survey will be performed. Additionally, the surveyor should have a good idea of what the client requires after a short conversation. If concerned ask the surveyor to meet you at the site.

General Surveying Topics

What are the different types of surveys?
There are three general groupings of surveys which includes several specific survey types. The three types are: boundary surveys, engineering surveys, and environmental surveys. Boundary surveys include: monumented land survey, land survey plat, improvement survey plat, American Land Title Association (ALTA) survey or land title survey, and others. Boundary surveys in Texas are regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors and must meet the "Minimum Standards of Practice". The Texas Society of Professional Surveyors publishes the "Manual of Practice" which established requirements for nine (9) categories of surveys. For additional information on the requirements you may visit their web page at http://www.tsps.org . Engineering surveys include: topographic surveys, right-of-way acquisition surveys and construction surveys. Engineering surveys can be used to generate plan and profile sheets, digital terrain models, aerial maps, and subdivision plats. Environmental surveys include surveys for monitoring well locations, wetlands delieneation, landfill surveying and remedial operations.