How much does a land survey cost?
The cost for a land survey varies depending on the type of survey and the size and shape of the property. The cost of a property survey will also vary based on the professional surveyor's travel time.
According to HomeAdvisor, most land surveys cost between $376 and $768, with the average being $543. A land survey's costs will be higher for properties with more acreage or more corners.
ALTA surveys have a higher average cost because of the extra work that goes into researching documents and providing more details. The average cost of an ALTA survey is between $2,000 and $3,000.
Keep in mind that these costs are averages throughout the US. The cost of a residential survey can vary greatly depending on the particular market and what public records are available. For instance, the cost of a survey in California can be between $1,000 to $5,000, according to Angi. That number can be even higher depending on the complexity of the survey.
How to get a copy of a recorded land survey
A certified copy of a land survey can often be found at the building department's office or in the official records at the land recorder's office. In some jurisdictions, you may also be able to find the survey recorded with the local tax assessor's office.
A title company can also be a resource for tracking down a survey. Title insurance companies typically require an ALTA survey before they issue title insurance, so they will likely have a copy on file.
Land surveyor qualifications
Land surveying is a very technical process with no room for error. Since the accuracy of a property survey is so important, each state sets certain requirements for who can conduct a survey.
Each state has its own licensing requirements for land surveyors, but state surveyor licensing typically involves:
- Required education.
- Exam.
- Minimum experience.
Most states also have a requirement for continued education for a surveyor to maintain their license.
To receive the necessary education to become a surveyor, most people will earn a bachelor's degree in surveying, mapping, or geomatics.
Even beyond licensing requirements, most companies will require surveyors to have a minimum amount of experience before they are allowed to conduct a survey themselves and certify it.
The bottom line
Simply put, a land survey will document exactly what your property is and where it's located. Without defining property lines, a bank doesn't know what it's lending on, and a construction crew won't know where to start building. Make sure your land survey is up to date and shows any new improvements or property features. For a land survey to be beneficial, it must be accurate.
