How much does a land surveyor cost?

Whether you plan to buy, sell, or develop a property, it’s wise to survey the land first. Surveyors are professionals who take measurements of land using specialized equipment. This data will be used in determining boundaries and creating maps of properties.

On average, hiring a land surveyor costs $400 per project. However, each property is unique, and land surveying costs depend on various factors. If you’re just getting started and need some help, this guide will provide an overview of land surveying prices and what affects them.

Land survey cost estimates

Land survey cost based on service type

You can request different types of surveys for your house or property, like residential site surveys and commercial surveys. Each significantly affects how much a surveyor costs. We’ve listed the most common survey types and their estimated costs below.

Boundary survey

This identifies the boundaries of a property and potential restrictions and encumbrances. Property boundary survey costs range from $100 to $700. However, how much a boundary survey costs might change if there is lush vegetation or various structures in the area.

Topographic survey

This survey is highly recommended if you need maps, diagrams, and information on the land’s terrain surface and topographic features. It will also give you insights into environmental conditions, ground measurements, and elevation. With its detailed property report, a topographic survey cost $500 to $1,200.

As-built survey

Costing $800 to $1,200, this is a more advanced survey used to get a 3D blueprint of a property. It is usually done by measuring the property’s interior and exterior areas, then building a 3D render. Due to its more high-tech methodology, it is more expensive than a boundary survey.

Fence survey

Fence survey costs range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the size of the lot. This type of survey improves security and helps prevent disputes with fellow property owners.

Mortgage survey

On average, a mortgage survey costs $350 to $600. It’s often done to establish the boundaries of a property before purchase, get more information for pricing, or verify potential legal issues. It’s helpful for both buyers and lenders.

Other factors affecting land survey costs

Property size and accessibility

Surveyors need more time to measure big properties, as they need to cover a large surface area. This means total costs will also be higher. Moreover, your budget should include the land surveyor’s travel time and fuel expenses if the property is inaccessible or remote.

Project complexity

Land survey costs depend on how hard the project is. Costs will be higher if the land is irregularly shaped or in mountainous areas. If there are plenty of trees, vegetation, or huge structures on the property, it will take longer to measure the area. Also, surveyors might need specialized equipment and safety gear.

Research

Land surveying doesn’t end in fieldwork. Surveyors also need time to process the data, do high-level mathematical calculations, and create reports. The hours spent doing these things will be part of the final cost.

Reducing land surveyor costs

The cost of a land surveyor ranges from $100 to $1,200, but there are several ways to help you save money. Since land survey costs differ per property, getting cost estimates from land surveyors on reputable sites is essential. Doing so will help you gauge the average price of your specific project and stick to your budget.

Once you have a benchmark, it’s time to conduct your own survey. Ask about promos, especially during the off-season. Check if they also offer discounts for advanced bookings. Lastly, negotiate costs depending on the data needed; you might only need measurements and not a complete property map.

Through Airtasker, you’ll be connected to affordable land surveyors near you. The flexibility and convenience will give you time for the other important things on your to-do list.

Hire a land surveyor on Airtasker

Now that you know the average cost of land surveying, it’s time to post a task. Afterward, you’ll be connected to surveyors in your area. Here are some tips for finding the best Tasker for your project:

• Share details about your property and request cost estimates
• Ask for references from past projects
• Ask for a license and verify it with your state licensing board

Overall, you can conveniently determine the boundaries of your building or property by hiring a pro. Whether you need a boundary survey or survey, book a Tasker for it in just a few clicks!