How to Choose the Right Surveyor

Greg Hawkins, PLS
Aug 6
3 min read

🦅Perspective

by Hawkins Geospatial

--------------------------------

Getting Started

Whether you're purchasing property, planning construction, dividing land, or resolving a boundary question, hiring the right land surveyor is one of the most important decisions you can make. The quality of the survey can impact your project for years to come, making it worth taking the time to choose a qualified professional.

Here are a few things to consider before hiring a surveying firm.

Verify They're Licensed

In North Carolina, land surveying is a licensed profession. A Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) has met the education, experience, and examination requirements established by the state and is legally authorized to practice surveying.

Working with a licensed surveyor helps ensure your project is completed according to professional standards and applicable laws.

Consider Their Experience

Not every surveyor specializes in the same types of work.

Some firms focus primarily on residential boundary surveys, while others specialize in commercial development, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, topographic mapping, or drone services.

Choosing a surveyor with experience in projects similar to yours can make the process more efficient and help avoid unnecessary delays.

Look Beyond Price

It's natural to compare quotes, but the lowest price isn't always the best value.

Survey costs vary based on factors such as:

Property size
Terrain and accessibility
Available records
Project complexity

A quality survey requires research, field work, careful analysis, and professional judgment. An unrealistically low price may indicate that important steps are being overlooked.

Ask About Communication

A good surveyor should be willing to explain the process, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the project.

Consider asking:

What type of survey do I need?
What information should I provide?
Approximately how long will the project take?
What will I receive when it's complete?
Are there any factors that could affect the schedule?

Clear communication helps set expectations and makes the entire process smoother.

Understand the Services They Offer

Many people are surprised to learn that surveyors provide much more than boundary surveys.

Depending on your needs, a surveying firm may also offer:

Topographic surveys
Construction staking
ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
Subdivision and recombination plats
Drone mapping

Working with a firm that offers multiple services can simplify future projects as your needs grow.

Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals

Online reviews can provide insight into a firm's professionalism, communication, and reliability. Recommendations from friends, contractors, engineers, architects, or real estate professionals can also be valuable when selecting a surveyor.

While every project is different, a consistent reputation for quality work and dependable service is worth considering.

Choose Someone You Trust

Surveying is more than collecting measurements. It requires interpreting legal documents, evaluating historical evidence, applying professional judgment, and communicating findings clearly.

Choose a surveyor who takes the time to understand your project, explains the process, and gives you confidence that your property is in capable hands.