Hiring the services of a land surveyor is often unavoidable because no other professional is qualified to offer the services that a land surveyor offers. However, if you're looking to hire a land surveyor for the first time, there are certain things you should know that will help to make the process easier and to give you an idea of what to expect. A few of these are highlighted in the discussion that follows.
Choosing the Right Surveyor
Land surveyors offer their services as independent contractors or as employees of a land surveying company.
There are various advantages associated with each type of surveyor. For example, an independent contractor is likely to charge you less for the survey exercise than a surveyor who works for a registered company. This is because independent contractors get to set their own rates of service, while surveyors attached to a company often have to follow the rates prescribed by their employer.
Therefore, it is easier to get a discounted rate for the survey from an independent contractor because he or she does not answer to anyone else.
Understand the Different Types of Survey
There are a number of different types of surveys that a land surveyor can offer to a client.
Unlike what many people think, establishing property boundaries is not the only service available from a land surveyor. A survey meant to establish property boundaries is referred to as a boundary survey. Other types of surveys that land surveyors carry out include topographical surveys, easement surveys, title surveys and subdivision surveys.
A topographical survey is often used to establish what man-made structures are present slightly below the ground level. An easement survey is done when one needs to use part of their neighbour's property for a specific purpose such as the installation of water drainage systems.
Title surveys often have two objectives. The first of these is establishing the property boundaries and the second is establishing the presence of prominent features within the boundary, such as the right-of-way. Subdivision surveys are necessary when a larger parcel of land is to be subdivided into multiple smaller parcels for development.
The Cost of Not Hiring a Surveyor
While it might be tempting to skip a land survey in order to save money, the consequences of not hiring a land surveyor often include punitive fines and the denial of building permits.
It is definitely more expensive not to hire a surveyor than it is to hire one.