How to Prepare for a Land Survey: Homeowner Checklist
Quick Answer
Before your survey: (1) gather your deed and any previous survey plats, (2) clear brush and debris from property corners, (3) secure pets, (4) mark known features like wells or septic tanks, and (5) notify your neighbors the surveyor will be working near the boundary. This preparation can save 1-2 hours of field time.
Before Scheduling: Documents to Gather
Having these documents ready when you request a quote helps the surveyor price your job accurately and arrive prepared:
- Property deed — Contains the legal description the surveyor will use to identify your boundaries.
- Previous survey plat or sketch — If you received a survey when you bought the property, this shows existing marker locations and measurements.
- Title commitment or title report — Lists easements, rights-of-way, and encumbrances that the surveyor needs to locate. Especially important for ALTA surveys.
- Site plan or building plans — If the survey is for new construction, provide the architect's or engineer's plans so the surveyor can verify setbacks.
- HOA plat or community restrictions — Some HOAs have additional setback or boundary requirements beyond county code.
- Parcel number — Your Property Appraiser parcel ID makes record research faster. Find it on your tax bill or county property appraiser website.
Property Preparation Checklist
These steps help the survey crew work efficiently and produce better results:
Clear vegetation from property corners
Trim brush, move piles of debris, and remove objects near where you believe property corners are located. The surveyor needs physical access to these points. Overgrown corners can add 30-60 minutes to field time.
Secure pets and unlock gates
The survey crew will need to walk the entire perimeter of your property, including backyards and side yards. Keep dogs indoors or on a leash. Unlock gates, including shared access gates with neighbors.
Mark underground utilities and features
If you know the location of septic tanks, wells, irrigation lines, or buried utilities, mark them with flags or paint. This is especially important for topographic surveys and construction projects.
Notify your neighbors
The surveyor may need to access adjacent properties to measure from reference points or locate shared boundary markers. A quick heads-up to your neighbors avoids confrontations and delays.
Ensure clear vehicle access
Survey crews arrive with equipment-loaded trucks or vans. Make sure there is room to park near the property and that the driveway is accessible. For large lots, provide information about access roads or gates.
Note areas of concern
If there are specific areas you're concerned about — a disputed fence line, an encroaching structure, a questionable easement — note these so you can point them out to the field crew.
Day of the Survey
On the day your survey is scheduled:
- You do not need to be home — surveyors work independently in the field. However, being available by phone is helpful in case the crew has questions.
- Point out any concerns — if you are home, briefly show the crew any disputed areas, known markers, or access issues.
- Do not follow the crew around — surveying requires precision measurements. Well-meaning questions during rod shots can introduce errors.
- Expect 2-6 hours on site — a standard residential boundary survey takes 2-4 hours of field time. ALTA surveys and large properties may take a full day.
What the Surveyor Will Do on Site
Understanding the process helps set expectations:
- Set up GPS/GNSS base station — establishes precise coordinates for the property.
- Search for existing monuments — uses metal detector and deed records to find existing survey markers.
- Measure property boundaries — uses total station, GPS rover, and measuring tapes to determine exact boundary positions.
- Locate improvements — measures buildings, fences, driveways, pools, and other structures relative to property lines.
- Set new markers — installs iron rods with caps at property corners if none exist or if existing markers have been disturbed.
- Collect data for the plat — all field measurements are processed in the office to produce the final survey plat or map.
After the Survey
Once the field work is complete, here's what to expect:
- Turnaround time: 24-48 hours for most residential surveys. ALTA surveys may take 5-10 business days due to title research and certification requirements.
- Deliverables: A signed and sealed survey plat in PDF format, plus AutoCAD/DWG if requested. The plat shows all measurements, markers, improvements, and boundary lines.
- Review the plat carefully: Check that your name, address, and legal description are correct. Verify that all structures you know about are shown.
- Keep the survey plat safe: Store it with your deed and closing documents. You may need it for future construction, fence installation, or property sales.
- Do not remove the markers: The iron rods and caps set by the surveyor are now legally protected under Florida law.
Ready to Schedule Your Survey?
Get a free quote with same-day scheduling available.
Get a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home for a land survey?
No, you do not need to be home. Licensed surveyors have the legal right to access your property during reasonable hours to perform surveys. However, being available by phone is helpful in case the crew has questions about access, pets, or specific areas of concern.
How long does a land survey take on site?
A standard residential boundary survey takes 2-4 hours of field time. ALTA surveys may take 4-8 hours due to additional requirements. Large or heavily wooded properties can take a full day. The office work (producing the plat) adds another 1-3 business days after field work.
What should I clear before a survey?
Clear brush and debris from property corners, secure pets, unlock gates, and ensure vehicle access for the survey crew. If you know the location of underground utilities, wells, or septic tanks, mark them with flags. These preparations can save 1-2 hours of field time and reduce your cost.
Should I notify my neighbors about a survey?
Yes. The surveyor may need to access adjacent properties to measure from reference points, locate shared boundary markers, or verify fence positions. A quick heads-up to your neighbors avoids potential confrontations and delays during field work.
What documents should I give my surveyor?
Provide your property deed (with legal description), any previous survey plat or sketch, title commitment (for ALTA surveys), building plans (for construction surveys), and your parcel number. These documents help the surveyor price accurately and arrive prepared.