HOW MUCH DOES A SURVEY COST?

Like most other surveyors, we do not have set prices for surveys since the process and timeline to a final deliverable can vary wildly. For example, a property with a “good” legal description will likely cost less to survey than a property with a “bad” description. When we give a quote, we always pull the most recent deed of record (and often most adjoiners) and analyze with other factors (distance, terrain, size, etc) to give an accurate quote.

Sometimes, it takes longer to survey 1 acre than it does 10 acres. In situations where we are dealing with a “bad” legal description or existing monumentation issues, we will expand out and survey portions of adjoining properties to find the basis of the issue (standard practice). Some areas/subdivisions are so “jacked up” that we have had to survey almost an entire block to certify the boundary of a single half-acre lot. We go the extra mile to ensure that any opinion that we give is based on substantial amounts of evidence and procedure, so we are able to confidently defend our opinion if ever needed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A SURVEY?

As with all other answers, it depends. If we are doing a smaller, simpler lot survey without a new map being needed, we can start/finish on the same day if no major issues are found. If a map is needed, typically add another week or two.

On the other hand, if we are dividing a property and have to go through the local planning office, the overall timeline can be months due to the many steps and departments involved. In this case specifically, the timeline is solely in the hands of the local jurisdiction.

HOW ACCURATE ARE PROPERTY LINES FOUND ON THE INTERNET (I.E. ONX, LANDGLIDE, GOOGLE, TAXMAPS, ETC)?

These maps are never even close to being 100% accurate. We have seen tax maps be off 100’s and 100’s of feet from the true property line. These maps are not made by surveyors, and many are not necessarily based on existing surveys. They are made by GIS techs in a tax assessor’s office with no legal requirement for a level of accuracy. These maps only exist so the tax collector knows about where you live and about how much property you have. These are in no way, shape, or form legal documents and cannot be used as such.

A survey stamped and signed by a licensed surveyor is the only legal opinion that holds any weight as to the location of boundary lines. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are either highly uninformed or lying to your face.

HOW CAN I BECOME A LICENSED SURVEYOR?

The answer depends on your State, but in Tennessee, it is generally some combination of 4-6 years of schooling and 2-10 years of advanced experience (depending on the “Pathway” that is taken). In short, the “quickest” path takes about 6-7 years of combined experience and schooling, while others take over a decade. Refer to the State of Tennessee Requirements for all information. Surveying licenses are not reciprocal and must be acquired in every single State where a surveyor practices.

If you are interested in working in a survey field crew or office tech, there is no education/experience requirement, as long as you are working under the direct supervision of a licensed surveyor in your respective State. It is a crime in every State in the United States to practice surveying without a license in that specific State. 

If you have any questions about becoming a surveyor, I am more than happy to discuss.