Land Surveys – Do You Know What You Are Paying For?

April 29th, 2014 by Fiedler Group

It’s happened again. And it’s so frustrating. We just received the survey (ALTA / ACSM with Topography) from our client and find that information is missing.

Although the requirements of this survey are clearly defined by the American Land Title Association, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and client-specific optional survey requirements, we frequently receive surveys from licensed land surveyors that fail to include all required survey elements as noted by these guidelines.

It may be a utility line not shown, catch basin inverts that have been omitted, a failure to identify structures adjacent to the new site, or even overhead power lines.

Our clients have paid for a specifically-defined survey, but often times they receive a document that falls short of the defined guidelines – our client has not received a complete survey – they have not received what they paid for. Why?

Some clients don’t know that there are industry standards which establish clear guidelines for this service. Perhaps the civil engineer utilizing this survey document lets the omissions go because they have not paid for the incomplete survey – it’s the clients concern.

Bottom line – we all should be held accountable to do what we say we will do.

These incomplete surveys are not simply an inconvenience, they cost money and time.

In a best case, the land surveyor must conduct further research or field work to complete the survey requirements – which delays the design development and causes the design professional to invest additional time in resolving the missing information.

In a worst case scenario, the plans are developed and permitted with incomplete or faulty information and the omission or error is not discovered until construction is underway which can result in the need to remove recently installed improvements, or complete civil redesigns.

How do we address this concern?

First, clients and design professionals need to understand what is expected to be included in the survey which is requested; the professional land surveyor needs to provide all the required elements in their survey package.

Second, all parties need to understand that there are different types of surveys and what survey is best for the project need:

  • ALTA / ACSM Survey
  • ALTA / ACSM with Topography
  • Boundary Survey
  • Topographical Survey
  • Boundary / Topographical Survey
  • Construction Survey

Understanding the differences in these survey services and documents will insure the correct survey service is provided for the specific design need.

You are spending thousands of dollars on a land survey – know what you are paying for and be sure you are getting the service for which you paid.

To learn more about land surveys and to learn how to know you’re getting what you’re paying for, please contact us today!