Q. How Much Would It Cost To Have My Property Surveyed?

How Much Does a Land Survey Cost?

The cost of a land survey depends upon several factors such as the type of survey required, the type of terrain and vegetation, accessibility, time or year, size and shape property, the amount of existing evidence and controlling monuments on the property, and whether or not the State will require* that a map be recorded detailing the survey work that was done. If your property is already included in a previously recorded survey or plat, you may only need to have the corner monuments verified or replaced and line points set along the property line to verify the boundary. If you are not sure about your property, WESI would welcome the opportunity to do the initial research and give you a free cost estimate.

Additionally, if you are working with an Architect, Contractor, or other consultant, we prefer to discuss your project with those professionals so that we can be certain that nothing is omitted, and your needs are thoroughly and efficiently met.

What to look for in a Land Surveyor

Land surveying services can be quite expensive, which is why you don’t want to make a poor decision for your money. Try to find personal recommendations and reviews or ask them to provide testimonials if possible. Do not choose a company on price alone; competency is the most important thing to take into account. The company should be properly licensed and fully insured, including errors & omissions. You want a surveying company that will stand behind their work in case there is a boundary dispute. More importantly, disputes can be prevented by correctly researched, performed, and documented surveys. You also want to find a survey company that will still be around when and if you need future surveying on your property, as they will be able to use the previous work (which you paid for) as a basis for the additional work. A complete and correct survey that meets your needs and legal requirements may cost more now but will be less expensive in the long run and will add value to your property. WESI is dedicated to providing landowners with prompt responses and reliable surveying services. Please call us at (425) 356-2700 for a free estimate or complete our online estimate request.

* The State of Washington requires that a Record of Survey map be recorded with the governing agency (County) within 90 days of the completion of work, when establishing a property boundary, not previously established, and/or locating any encroachment issues, and /or placing any licensed monuments/stakes. RCW 58.09.090

Interpreting Legal Descriptions

We sometimes get asked why it is so hard to determine the location of property lines on the ground. There is only one correct solution to the location of boundaries, but sometimes finding that solution is very difficult or even impossible. The description in the deed is of course extremely important, but is not the only evidence necessary for a correct solution. Evidence on the ground, other historical documents such as adjoining deeds and old survey maps are also important clues. The testimony of the property owner, neighbors and previous owners can also help find the correct location. At times, none of these things can clear up all the uncertainties and the parties on each side of the boundary line must come to an agreement of where the line will be. It is then the job of the Professional Surveyor to memorialize that agreed upon location with permanent survey markers, a recorded survey map and new legal descriptions which can be retraced should the markers be lost.