FAQ

David Laird Associates is the Jamestown & Chautauqua, NY and Erie & Meadville, PA areas' premier civil engineer and land surveyor. We will be happy to assist with securing the survey you need for your upcoming project. If you are unfamiliar with the land surveying process, exploring the frequently asked questions below may help you learn some key information about how it all typically works. This way, you will be better prepared to work with us and know what to expect regarding timeframes, fees, and protocols. For further details, please feel free to contact our civil engineer at info@lairdsurvey.net or (814) 456-0330.

  • Why can't a surveyor give me a ball park estimate?

    There are many factors that go into completing a property survey.  What information is available in your neighborhood or area?  Is there record information on file that can be used to help determine the location of your boundary markers?  Are your boundary markers in place or have they been damaged, disturbed or even removed?  Is there a dispute between neighbors?  Is there dense vegetation, fences, buildings, other features to work around?  Once we have an opportunity to do a little research we can get back to you with an estimate that we feel it will cost to complete your boundary survey.  We then work diligently to complete that survey as outlined, however if extenuating circumstances arise in the field changing the scope of work discussed, then we will contact you right away to work together on a solution that meets your needs.

  • Do I need to be present during the survey?

    No.  However, if you would like to be, please notify us at the time you request the survey.  Many variables can impact the schedule of a surveyor.  Unforeseen circumstances arise in the field that may require additional time to complete the survey, thus changing the arrival time to be at the next site.  Flexibility is appreciated on your part.  Please keep in mind we may need to make more than one visit to your property to complete the survey.

  • What exactly is done when a survey is performed?

    Our survey team will need access to your property.  Research will be done to confirm your property corners are accurate and if needed, new rebar survey points will be put in place and identified clearly so you can see their location.  Measurements will be taken using various features, including neighboring property corners, monumentation found nearby or other points of reference that are pertinent to confirming accuracy of the survey work being provided to you.

  • What is the time frame for completing a survey?

    Our professionals work hard to meet your deadlines. Please be specific about your needs when contacting us. The time it takes to complete a survey can vary based on the time of year and work load at the time the survey is requested. Good communication is key between us. Typically an average lot within city limits or nearby municipalities can be completed within two weeks of the request.

  • Why hire professionals for land surveys?

    To formally establish property borders or accurately measure surface dimensions for construction, surveying, specifically surveying of the land is often required. Accurate assessments are often required by law or proven in legal disputes as evidence. Please feel free to contact our professional land surveyors for more information.

  • Do I need a land survey done if I am buying a piece of land?

    Generally, it is highly recommended that the land be surveyed prior to completing the purchase. The land survey will confirm the boundaries of the land. This is important so that there are no disputes later on.

  • What types of land surveys are there?

    Various types of land surveys can be performed depending on the type of information that you need. Types of surveys include topographic, boundary, contour, subdivision, and hydrographic surveys. Our land surveyors would be happy to discuss the best type of survey for your needs with you.

  • What is an easement and how are they connected to land surveys?

    An easement is a legal privilege that allows for an outside party to use land for a particular reason. For example, utility easements are designed to allow utility company workers to access someone’s land to perform utility work. A land survey is often needed when a new easement is created to locate the precise area to be used in the easement. This information can then be given to an attorney so that they can include it in the creation of the easement.

  • Can a land survey settle a boundary dispute?

    Yes, a land survey can settle a boundary dispute. A survey will determine the exact boundaries of a piece of land, determining exactly who owns the area of land that is being disputed.

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