Before You Hire: Land Surveyor Questions
Straight answers for Melrose — the things people actually ask before hiring.
Can't a GPS app on my phone show me my property lines?
No. A phone's GPS is accurate to several feet at best and isn't tied to your deed or the corner monuments, so the lines those apps draw are approximate and carry no legal weight. Survey-grade GNSS fixes a point to the centimeter against a reference network — a different instrument for a different job.
What do you need from me before you start?
The property address and, if you have them, a copy of your deed, any prior survey, and your title commitment. Access to walk the property helps, and if there's a specific reason for the survey — a fence, a sale, a building permit — telling us up front lets us scope it right the first time.
Why is my survey more expensive than my neighbor's?
Price tracks the work, not the lot size alone. A clean platted lot with good corners is quick; a parcel with missing monuments, conflicting deeds, heavy tree cover, or a metes-and-bounds description takes far more research and field time. We quote after we see the deed and the record, so the number is real.
Do I need a new survey to build a fence or an addition?
Usually yes, and often the permit requires it. Building to an assumed line is how encroachment problems start — a fence a foot over the line can cloud a future sale. A current boundary survey shows exactly where you can build and keeps the improvement on your own ground.
What is construction staking?
It's marking the site so the contractor builds in the right place — offset stakes for the foundation, grade stakes for elevations, and layout for utilities, all set from the engineered plans. It's done in stages as the job progresses, which is why it's usually quoted per visit rather than as one flat fee.
Will a survey show easements and things crossing my property?
A boundary survey with improvements locates visible features and the easements shown in the record — utility lines, drainage, access, and any structures near the lines. A full ALTA goes further. If a recorded easement doesn't show on your deed, the title research is where it turns up, which is one reason the record work matters.
How much does a land survey cost?
Land survey costs vary based on property type and complexity. A residential boundary survey on a platted lot typically ranges from $500 to $1,200, while surveys for acreage or unplatted parcels can cost $1,200 to $4,000. Commercial ALTA/NSPS surveys range from $2,000 to $8,000. Factors like terrain, property size, and required details (e.g., easements, encroachments) influence pricing.
Can I survey my property myself?
Surveying property yourself is not recommended. Land surveying requires specialized equipment, knowledge of legal boundaries, and adherence to state regulations. Only licensed surveyors can produce legally binding surveys. Attempting DIY surveys may lead to inaccuracies, legal disputes, or issues with property transactions.
How do I find a reliable land surveyor?
To find a reliable surveyor, verify their state license and check for experience with similar projects. Ask for references, review their portfolio, and confirm they carry professional liability insurance. Look for surveyors familiar with local land records and regulations. Avoid unlicensed providers or those offering unusually low prices.
What is the cheapest type of land survey?
The cheapest type is typically a residential boundary survey on a platted lot, costing $500 to $1,200. However, costs depend on property size, terrain, and required details. More complex surveys, like those for acreage or commercial properties, are significantly more expensive.
How long does a residential land survey take?
A residential survey usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on property complexity, access to records, and surveyor workload. Delays can occur if original markers are missing or if there are boundary disputes. Always confirm timelines with your surveyor upfront.
Didn't find your question? Call (781) 590-6899 and ask — it's free.