How much would a property surveyor cost?

Question

my property is 236 feet long just a house sitting in the middle,,the rest just green grass,,in montpelier idaho,,very small town,,i need to know legally where my property ends..i measured the 236 feet,,and my neighbor is arguing that he owns more than he does

Answer 1

YOu did not define what TYPE of survey you need.  

There are two basic types:

Topographic:  In which the surveyor maps out your property and creates a drawing which shows the various elements (house, fence, roads, etc..).  This is typically used by a designer to come up with proposed changes.

Boundary:  This type of survey sets your property corners and defines your ownership based upon whatever document describes it.

For the first type, the work is pretty simple and standardized.  The map will show relative positions and is a function of simply going out and doing the work.  You did not give your location and so the cost of labor (the principal element of this type of work).  In California this might run you about $800 to $1,000.  Prob. 20 to 30% less as you go easterly where the Cost of Living is less.

For the second type, the answer really lies in your deed or entitlement papers.  A boundary that is based on a subdivision with easily found and identified monumentation (the place where the measuremnts can begin from) is faster and easier then one that is 80 years old and reads something like "beginning at the middle of the old oak tree and going westerly along the stream bed'  (don't laugh.. I have seen ones like that!).  Here you are buying not only the labor to do the work, but also the surveyor's experience and professionalism to retrace and establish your corners.  Often there are State madated filings that he/she will have to make with your local agencies.  These cost HIM/HER to process and you know who he is going to charge, right?

Bottom line, when it comes to boundary, the size of the lot is not as important as other things

   1)  The deed and the way it describes the property

   2)   The terrain.   (nice and flat vs. a billy goat hill covered with brush and poison oak/ivy)

   3)  Conflicting elements from the adjoining properties.

   4)  Sometimes the REASON for the survey (as in : it is in litigation and you need to prove or disprove something.  Generally there are a few extra steps required at that stage, like depositions or testimony.)

Again, in California, where I practice, a boundary survey will run Between $1,000 and $2,000 .

Answer 2

Not from there, but they shouldn't be too much different. Probably around $250 to $450.