Ordering a land survey is easier when you know what information to provide and what to expect along the way. Whether you’re purchasing property, planning construction, or documenting an existing site, a little preparation helps get your project started.
Start with what you need to accomplish
The first thing to tell your surveyor is why you need the survey.
Are you buying acreage? Planning a new building? Dividing property? Does your lender or title company have specific requirements?
That purpose helps us identify the appropriate scope of work. A survey prepared for one purpose may not include everything needed for another, so sharing your plans early can help avoid additional work later.
Gather your property information
You don’t need to have every document ready before contacting us, but these items are helpful:
- The property address or a map showing its location.
- A deed or legal description, if available.
- Any previous surveys.
- A title commitment, if one has been issued.
- Requirements from your lender, title company, engineer, or architect.
- Your deadline and the reason for it.
- Information about gates, access arrangements, livestock, or other site conditions.
If you aren’t sure what you have, send what’s available. We can help identify what else is needed.
Understand what goes into the estimate
Acreage is only one part of estimating a survey.
Property shape, terrain, vegetation, access, available records, and the requested deliverables can all affect the work involved. A smaller property with complicated records or difficult access may require more effort than a larger, straightforward tract.
When requesting a quote, explain your intended use and any special requirements so the estimate reflects the work you actually need.
Expect work both on site and in the office
The field visit is the most visible part of a survey, but it’s one part of the process.
Depending on the scope, work may include researching records, locating existing boundary evidence, collecting measurements, evaluating the information, and preparing the final documents.
Seeing a crew leave the property doesn’t necessarily mean the survey is finished. Office preparation and review may still be underway.
Discuss your deadline early
If your survey is tied to a closing, construction schedule, or other deadline, tell us when you first request the quote.
Timing depends on the scope, workload, access, weather, and availability of necessary information. Early coordination gives everyone a better opportunity to plan.
Review your deliverables and ask questions
When you receive your survey, take time to review it. Ask about anything you don’t understand, including symbols, notes, boundary markings, or the limits of the work performed.
Also, let your surveyor know if your plans change. A different use may require additional information or services.
Ready to get started?
Crowley Surveying provides boundary, ALTA/NSPS, topographic, construction, route, and reality capture services.
Contact us with your property location, what you’re planning, and your desired timeline. We’ll help you determine the next step.
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