What does a surveyor do?

So, you’re seriously considering buying a property, and you’ve been told you should hire a land surveyor. Your first thought is Great, more money — and this is undoubtedly true. Hiring a professional land surveyor does cost money; typically, anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. It depends on the size of the property and the scope of the job.

However, while a land surveyor will cost you money upfront, they can save you thousands or even upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars down the road. Land surveyors help you understand what you are buying. They allow you to see the complete picture of your purchase, so you won’t be caught unaware when it comes to tricky property lines, building restrictions or legal stipulations.

Knowledge, as they say, is power, and a quality land surveyor will give you all the knowledge you need to determine whether or not your property is a sound investment.

How do they do this?

Land surveyors measure and map land using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. To do this, they need training and a solid understanding of mathematics and the ability to apply this knowledge practically. In addition to surveying land, surveyors can also measure bodies of water and even aerial space.

The Latest Land Surveying Technology

In the field, land surveyors use cutting-edge GPS systems, theodolites (a.k.a. Total Robotic Stations), terrestrial and aerial scanners, as well as specialised cameras, to get the lay of the land.

Land surveyors also work in the office, employing advanced software to map and draft the onsite measurements.

Job Diversity

Land surveyors are trained in many areas and can use their skill set to subdivide land for residential properties or explore possible mining, tunnel construction or commercial opportunities.

Land surveyors have extensive expertise in land development and are therefore often called upon as consultants for developers, architects and engineers.

Why Hire a Land Surveyor

We’ve already touched on a few of the reasons  — arguably, the most compelling reasons. Giving you a thorough account of property help you understand what you may be purchasing: the good and the bad.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A land surveyor will not only measure property lines, but they will cross-reference their measurements with the measurements on the deed. If there are discrepancies, they will fix them. A high level of attention to detail will ensure there are no disputes over boundaries in the future.

• A land surveyor will also alert potential property owners to any outstanding legal matters from previous owners.

• A land surveyor will inform you of any building restrictions or environmental regulations in the area that could affect construction or renovation.

• A land surveyor will provide a map of any property landmarks that may be of interest, including streams and property corners.

• A land surveyor will note any issues on the condition of the building, including problems with structural integrity, drainage, dampness or insulation.
• A land surveyor can estimate the cost to rebuild the home for insurance purposes.

Land surveyors do a lot, and when all is said and done, they can also save you a lot. If you’re thinking of buying a piece of property, enlist the services of a surveyor. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.