How much does it cost to hire a surveyor to determine boundary lines?

Question

I'm considering buying a home that sits on an usually shaped land parcel. Using the county's GIS website, I see it looks like an equilateral triangle with one of the corners chopped off (4-sided polygon). It is surrounded on all sides by publicly-owned wooded land that is zoned as a park. I calculate the total area to be ~0.48 acres.

Approximately how much would it cost me to have a surveyor to come out and officially delineate the boundary lines and confirm that the deed is accurate? I'm sure I could call around to local surveyors, but I don't want to do that until I am more certain of whether or not to purchase the home. Thanks!

Answer 1

If anyone quotes you less that $700, they could not possibly be planning to do a correct, legal survey.  Without a copy of the legal description on the deed along with the state and county, it would be indiscreet of anyone to give you an estimate.  As far as "confirming that the deed is accurate", if the property has ever been sold, this has already been done.  It would be a good idea before you spend money hiring a surveyor to approach the current owner and ask for a copy of his most recent survey of the property.  If it turns out that you are serious about buying the property, I would contact the previous surveyor; he should have the best idea of what it would cost you and would, most likely have the lowest price.

Answer 2

There are soooo many variables that apply to answering your question that the only honest answer is that I can not give you one.

For example, you didn't say where you are and the hourly rates for surveyors vary quite a bit from coast to coast.  That directly affects the cost.

Your boundary is determined by the title document that you have for it.  A deed that says "North 100 feet " is completely different then one that says "North 100 feet to the corner of the smith property" and even more different then one that says 'the north half of the old smith property".  Your surveyor will need to see that document to be able to determine HOW to survey your property as well as the actual work.

BUT..  most surveyors will not charge you to give you an estimate.  If they do, look for another one.  They may not be able to give you an exact dollar cost but they will be able to give you a good idea of what is involved and what legal actions they must take in conjunction with your survey (filing it at the county, etc.. as required by the laws of YOUR state - which may not be mine).

A GIS website may be accurate, but most are only good to about 5 feet or so unless the property has already been surveyed, so I would not consider using that and then taking the answers as gospel.  If you just need a rough idea.. then it is prob. ok.. but if you are going to build a fence or deal with a neighbor.. skip the county data.

Bottom line.. pick up the phone and call.. you are just wasting your time trying to do it yourself, and potentially exposing yourself to some expensive mistakes.

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Answer 3

I am not positive, but I believe that you do not have the right to have this done, unless you are the homeowner or have a contract on the house.  When you get there it should cost about $125 for the survey.

Answer 4

The deed is a legal document which states what you are buying.  The problem is: if a there is a question of  boundaries between the owner of the Public Land ( Federal, state, or county ) and the owner of the land.  Then, this could go several ways, most which  require a real estate attorney.