Frequently Asked Questions

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Land surveying is the science of measuring and mapping the physical features, structures and/or improvements of a piece of land, usually shown relative to the boundaries of the subject parcel determined in accordance with maps, deeds and other instruments of record. The results of a survey, normally in the form of a map conforming to or exceeding the accepted minimum standards set forth by the New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors, Inc., is used to evaluate marketability of title, conformance to applicable municipal requirements, and for other purposes related to decision-making processes affecting the subject parcel.

Land surveying is important for a variety of reasons; it can help assure property owners that their investment is protected, understand the location of their property boundaries, and avoid potential legal disputes with neighbors. It is also important for planning on-site projects and/or development, since a survey is needed to insure that any proposed buildings, additions, fences, etc. are designed and constructed in an acceptable location with respect to parcel boundaries, environmental constraints and local zoning codes.

I offer a variety of types of surveys, including title surveys, topographic surveys, wetlands surveys and others; if you inform me of the intended purpose for the survey, we can recommend the best type of survey(s) for your specific needs and prepare a quote for performing same.

While that may be customary in some areas, I neither automatically stake the property boundaries nor do I include preparation of a description when quoting and preparing a survey, since we do not want you to incur the additional fees if unnecessary for your situation.  And, no, it's not called a "leaps and bounds" description.

You cannot assume that the maps you have are up-to-date and show everything that an actual signed/sealed land survey will show, even if those drawings may have been originally derived entirely or partly from a land surveyor's work; information that a land surveyor and/or an attorney or title professional considers important in regard to boundary and title issues may not concern other design professionals, and might not be shown or noted on their plans.

The turnaround time for a survey depends on the location, size and complexity of the property, as well as the time of year, weather and workload due to the state of the real estate market. I will provide an estimated timeline after determining the scope of work needed. It is important to note that sometimes a survey will disclose boundary problems that may take additional time and effort to resolve, and can result in an unforeseen extended delivery time for the final mapping.

ABSOLUTELY NOT.  Aside from the fact those items would interfere with the flow of the field work, there is no actual convincing scientific proof that the commonly used paper or cloth masks or the ridiculous arbitrary "6 ft. social distancing" (first inflicted on the public in the early 1900's) make any difference in the rates of contracting or transmitting Covid 19, despite the widespread media propaganda and government disinformation to the contrary. 

That is like asking, "How much is a house?" or "How much is a car?" .... every survey is unique, and the pricing reflects the effort, expertise and time that will be required to complete it, as well as the extent of survey records of previous work that we may have access to.  I am happy to provide an estimated cost for the survey based on information you provide in my "Get A Quote" section..

While the fee paid for a survey may show up on your closing statement, a land survey actually should be considered a "pre-closing" item.  Occasionally a survey may disclose conditions or title issues that will cause postponement or cancellation of a closing for the protection of the prospective buyers; in this situation, of course, the land surveyor has still provided a valuable service to his clients and deserves to be paid for these services rendered, even if the deal eventually falls through.

Nothing personal, but NO; your helping us would not only slow us down and/or distract us, but could also cast suspicion on the integrity and impartiality of our work.

Every time a survey is issued (and thereafter updated) it must conform to the same standards, and the surveyor who signs the map is responsible for the content shown on the map.  Some surveyors are willing to just update a survey that they themselves prepared, but most will not update someone else's survey map, especially if that survey was done for a different owner or purchaser. Also note that most title insurers will not cover title issues that may arise if they are forced to use an outdated survey, since a new or updated survey would have put them on notice of the potential issue that could have been addressed prior to closing; this is why some title policies may recite a "survey exception" in their Schedule "B".  Please consult your attorney in this regard.