FAQ'S

NMB LAND SURVEYING PLLC  PROUDLY OFFERS LAND SURVEYING SERVICES TO NEW YORK AND VERMONT

What is a Land Surveyor?

A Land Surveyor is professionally licensed and regulated by the Sate of New York. Through education and experience, a Land Surveyor can understand the characteristics of land, written legal history of property and the determination of boundary lines. A Land Surveyor must meet the requirements for education, experience and examination set forth by the State of New York before becoming licensed and registered. Land Surveyors use mathematics, measurements and other technical skills to map the surface of the earth. Only licensed Land Surveyors may make boundary line determinations in the State of New York

When should you contact a Licensed Land Surveyor?

There are many reasons to contact a Licensed Land Surveyor and some are listed below. If you have any questions regarding if you need a survey, we will be glad to answer any questions. “Contact us”

When You Just Want to Know

• A Licensed Land Surveyor can perform a survey on your property marking the boundaries with monuments and providing a map showing your property.

When Selling Property

• A Licensed Land Surveyor can make a map of a survey showing the property you want to sell. This provides the buyers with confidence in what they are purchasing.

When Purchasing Property

• A Licensed Land Surveyor can provide a map of a survey showing what will be (or has been) purchased.
• A Licensed Land Surveyor can determine if other people or entities have the use of your property through easements or rights-of-way.
• A Licensed Land Surveyor can determine if buildings, fences, driveways, trees or other improvements are on the property.
• A Licensed Land Surveyor can mark the corners or lines of your property with monuments so you will know the extents of your property.

When Building on Your Property i.e. house additions, fences

• A Licensed Land Surveyor can ensure you are building on your own property. Building on your neighbor’s property can cause costly repairs and legal problems.
• A Licensed Land Surveyor can stake out the location of the planned improvements ensuring that the improvement are in the correct location and meets local zoning and setback restrictions.

When Subdividing Property

• A Licensed Land Surveyor can survey the parent property and then draft the proposed subdivision.
• A Licensed Land Surveyor can check with local and state governments and organizations for subdivision restrictions such as easements, environmental restrictions, setbacks, densities and others ensuring the planned development will meet local, state and federal laws.
• A Licensed Land Surveyor can represent you while presenting your project to zoning, planning, town and county boards.
• A Licensed Land Surveyor can help guide you through the land development process by coordinating other professionals and making recommendations as to the feasibility of your projects

Cost of a Survey

• The cost of a survey depends on many factors. Some of those factors include: size of project, location, terrain, complexity of the project, type of survey and the existence of evidence. On-Point would be glad to discuss any project and offer a free estimate for work needed.
• To aid in the estimate process you should explain your needs to the surveyor as soon as possible. Explain the reason for the survey so that the surveyor will know exactly the services you require. Please ask any questions you may have regarding your survey needs so that the surveyor can better understand the nature of the project and produce an accurate estimate.

When must I employ a licensed land surveyor?

Generally, you will need the services of a LS any time you need a government official's approval of survey plans (e.g., the approval of a subdivision). A LS is also required to prepare boundary surveys for property conveyances when filed with public officials. These officials can only accept surveying plans stamped and signed by a land surveyor. Check with local government officials such as the county clerk's office or the planning department to determine what you are required to submit.

What credentials does a New York licensed land surveyor have?

A licensed New York Land Surveyor has a minimum of eight years of education/experience credit and has passed both a 14-hour national examination and a two-hour New York State-specific examination.

What should I expect as a client of a licensed land surveyor?

You should expect:

• a description of the surveyor's qualifications;
• names of former clients as references;
• a clear and complete description of the work that will be done for you and the products that will be delivered; and
• project schedule and fee.

What records does my land surveyor maintain? Can anyone else get them?

New York licensed land surveyors must retain for six years all preliminary and final plans, documents, computations, records, and professional evaluations they or their employees prepared, related to the work which the licensee signed and sealed. They may not reveal personally identifiable data or information obtained in a professional capacity without the prior consent of the client. The client may request copies of documents from the licensee which have been prepared for and paid for by the client.

What can I do to ensure a good professional relationship with my land surveyor?

Make your needs known as clearly as possible and make certain that the surveyor knows why you are having the survey made. For example, when you have a survey of your property done and you want stakes to mark the corners, make sure the land surveyor knows this and has included it in the fee. Ask questions if you are unsure about any elements of the project.

It is strongly suggested that you have a written contract that describes the following:

• the work to be done and the services to be provided;
• work schedule;
• completed product; and
• amount and terms of payment of the land surveyor's fee.

Some of the above content  was taken from http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pels/lsbroch.htm 

Helpful links
www.digsafelynewyork.com
www.nysapls.net
www.enysls.org
www.vsls.org