In general, land survey costs can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Thankfully, surveys for most residential properties tend to be on the lower end of the price range. That's certainly true for the bulk of surveys that we perform here at Site Surveys. On the other hand, more complex surveys, such as large topographic mining surveys or large-scale commercial surveys, will be much more expensive.
Factors that influence the cost of a survey
There are many different types of Land Survey and the cost of each varies. Also, there are several other factors that influence the cost of a survey, sometimes significantly. Those factors include such things as the locationof the property, the size of the property or project, complexity of the project, and specific purpose of the survey.
Other factors that can influence the cost include local market conditions, accessibility and conditions on the site itself such as vegetation, fencing and the time required to complete the survey.
Other costs and outlays that add to the cost of a survey
Certain types of survey require the surveyor by law to outlay fees for searches of public or Government data which naturally adds to the cost. This cost is outside the Surveyor's control. These searches are almost always done prior to the surveyor visiting the property concerned.
Factors that mitigate the cost of a survey
Factors that may mitigate the cost include the amount of information or data that the surveyor already holds about that specific site, or a property close to it, as well as the equipment they use, both onsite and back at their office.
Much of the old equipment that Surveyors used, whilst still reliable, is outdated by more modern technology, which, though often quite expensive to buy, can lead to significant and worthwhile time / cost savings.
Here at Site Surveys we have been investing heavily in upgrading our equipment for 15+ years enabling us to offer the highest industry standards, frequently at industry beating prices. What's more we maintained an electronic database since 2012 of all our completed surveys across greater Brisbane [ see here] which frequently gives us a head start when it comes to performing new surveys, a cost benefit we are able to pass on to our clients.
Different Types of Survey
Let's explore some common types of surveys [there are many more than these] and the key cost components associated with each:
Boundary Survey / ID Survey:
A boundary survey determines the legal boundaries of a property. The cost components include:
Research and document review: This involves examining existing records, deeds, existing registered plans, some of which may be decades old, and other documents related to the property's boundaries. To do this we need to purchase government records.
Fieldwork: Surveyors physically measure and locate the property's boundary markers or set new ones if necessary.
Legal documentation: The surveyor prepares a survey plat or map illustrating the boundaries, which require the services of a licensed land surveyor or a professional engineer to seal and certify the document. These are required to be lodged and registered into the Titles Office requiring payment of fees.
Site Survey /Contour & Detail Survey:
Also sometimes referred to as a topographic survey a Site Plan captures the natural and man-made features of a property, including elevations. The cost components include:
Fieldwork: Surveyors map the property's surface, locating and measuring features such as buildings, trees, contours, roads, and utilities.
Drafting and data processing: Surveyors process the collected data and create a detailed topographic map &/or digital model.
Contour mapping: Generating contour lines to represent the elevation changes on the property.
Construction Survey / Building Set Out Survey:
Construction surveys are performed before and sometimes during the construction process to ensure accurate placement of structures. The cost components include:
Stakeout: Surveyors set reference points and stakes to mark the location of proposed structures, roads, utilities, and grading.
Monitoring: Surveyors may monitor the construction progress to ensure compliance with design specifications.
As Constructed / As-built survey:
After construction, surveyors document the final location of constructed elements for record-keeping and future reference.
These surveys can and do apply to structures above and below ground and are regularly required by Councils and utility providers for things such as sewer location.
Registered Plans Survey / New Titles:
Once referred to as ‘Linen plans’ this survey is a detailed land survey that adheres to standards set by the relevant State Government department and the Professional Surveyors Board. The cost components include:
Extensive research: Surveyors review historical records, plats, deeds, and other relevant documents to gather information about the property.
Fieldwork: Surveyors collect precise measurements of boundaries, improvements, easements, encroachments, and other relevant features.
Title research and analysis: Surveyors may sometimes work closely with Solicitors to review and analyse the property's title commitments and associated documents.
So, unfortunately as for many things in life, there is no fixed answer to this question in fixed dollar terms which can be frustrating at times. Rather than allow that to deter you from achieving an answer to your question we’re only too happy to provide you an accurate answer tailored to your particular property by simply requesting a quote through the request button featured at the top of this page.
If your question is more general in nature feel free to give us a phone call as we’re more than happy to offer some complimentary assistance over the phone.