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Property Survey Order

Saturday, July 5th 2025. | Order Templates

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Ordering a property survey is a crucial step in any real estate transaction, whether you’re buying, selling, or simply improving your existing land. A survey provides a detailed map of your property’s boundaries, identifying any easements, encroachments, or other potential issues that could affect its value or use. Knowing when and how to order a survey can save you significant time, money, and headaches down the road.

When to Order a Property Survey

There are several situations where ordering a property survey is highly recommended, or even essential:

Before Buying a Property: This is perhaps the most common and prudent reason to commission a survey. It allows you to verify the boundaries described in the property deed, ensuring that you’re actually getting what you think you are. A survey can reveal discrepancies, such as the fence being located outside of the property line, or a neighbor’s shed encroaching on your land. Discovering these issues before closing can give you leverage to negotiate with the seller, request repairs, or even walk away from the deal if the problems are insurmountable.
Before Selling a Property: While not always mandatory, a seller-initiated survey can make your property more attractive to potential buyers. By providing a clear and accurate depiction of the property boundaries, you can alleviate any concerns or uncertainties they might have. This can lead to a faster sale and potentially a higher selling price. Furthermore, a survey allows you to identify and address any boundary issues proactively, preventing them from becoming deal-breakers during negotiations.
Before Building or Renovating: Planning to build a new structure, add an addition, or install a fence? A survey is crucial to ensure that your planned construction stays within your property lines and complies with local zoning regulations. It can also help you avoid potential disputes with neighbors regarding property boundaries or easements. Failing to obtain a survey before construction could result in costly setbacks, legal battles, or even the need to tear down and rebuild portions of your project.
When Disputing Boundaries: If you suspect a boundary dispute with a neighbor, a survey is essential to establish the accurate property lines and resolve the conflict. A surveyor will research property deeds, analyze existing markers, and conduct field measurements to determine the legal boundaries. This information can be used to negotiate a resolution, or, if necessary, to support your claim in court.
To Obtain Title Insurance: Many title insurance companies require a survey before issuing a policy. This is because a survey helps to identify potential title defects related to boundary discrepancies, encroachments, or easements that could affect your ownership rights. A title insurance policy protects you against financial losses resulting from such title defects.
Subdividing Property: If you plan to divide your land into smaller parcels, a survey is absolutely necessary to create accurate legal descriptions for each new lot. The survey will define the boundaries of each parcel, ensuring that they comply with local zoning and subdivision regulations.

How to Order a Property Survey

Ordering a property survey is a straightforward process, but it’s important to choose the right surveyor and provide them with the necessary information.

Find a Qualified Surveyor: Look for a licensed land surveyor with experience in your area. You can search online directories, ask for referrals from real estate agents or attorneys, or check with your local government’s planning department. Verify the surveyor’s credentials and read online reviews to assess their reputation. It’s also a good idea to get quotes from multiple surveyors before making a decision.
Provide Information: Gather all relevant information about your property, including the property deed, any existing surveys, and any information about potential boundary disputes or easements. The more information you provide, the more accurate and efficient the survey will be.
Discuss the Scope of Work: Clearly communicate your needs and expectations to the surveyor. Explain the reason for the survey and what you hope to achieve. Discuss the type of survey you require (e.g., boundary survey, topographic survey, ALTA/NSPS land title survey) and any specific features you want included (e.g., location of utilities, elevation data).
Obtain a Contract: The surveyor should provide you with a written contract outlining the scope of work, the estimated cost, the timeline for completion, and the terms of payment. Review the contract carefully before signing it.
Allow Access to the Property: The surveyor will need access to your property to conduct the survey. Be prepared to cooperate and provide them with any necessary assistance.
Review the Survey Plat: Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will provide you with a survey plat, which is a detailed map of your property. Review the plat carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects your property boundaries and any other relevant features. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with the surveyor.

Cost of a Property Survey

The cost of a property survey can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the property, the type of survey required, and the surveyor’s fees. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for a survey. It’s important to obtain quotes from multiple surveyors to compare prices and ensure that you’re getting a fair deal. While cost is a factor, don’t sacrifice quality for price. A reliable and accurate survey is worth the investment.

In conclusion, ordering a property survey is a smart investment that can protect your interests and prevent costly problems in the future. By understanding when and how to order a survey, you can ensure that you have a clear and accurate understanding of your property boundaries and any potential issues that could affect its value or use.