5 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Surveyor

The Athens GA Engineering Show by W&A Engineering

Here’s another video from our how to series. In this one we discuss the top 5 factors we think are important to consider when choosing a surveyor or surveying company for your next project, whether it’s here in Athens, elsewhere in north Georgia, or beyond.

Check out the video, and of course please contact us if you have any questions. The video transcript is below:

“Hello, this is W&A Engineering, an Athens Ga-based engineering and surveying firm, here again with another tip from our “How to” series.

Today we’ll be talking about factors to consider when choosing a surveyor for your next project.

OK, let’s get started…

Five Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surveyor

Surveying is a trade that requires an understanding of science, law, mathematics, and engineering. Hiring the right surveyor is essential to any construction project as it is the surveyor’s job to measure and determine the position of places above, on, and/or beneath the Earth’s surface.

We understand that services provided by surveyors are complex and can be difficult to understand… because beyond familiar boundary surveys, these services may include topographic surveys, as-built utility surveys, ALTA/ACSM title surveys, construction staking, platting/floodplain mapping, and storm system mapping. Then, these measurements and analyses are documented in a way that depicts the land in usable forms.

Don’t worry though, despite the complexity of the options, there are still just a few key factors to consider when hiring a surveying company…

So, when looking to hire a surveyor for your next construction project there are really five main factors to consider: type of survey; professional licensing; local knowledge; state-of-the-art equipment; and strong communication skills.

1: Look for Specific Experience

The first factor to consider when choosing a surveyor is the type of survey needed. You have to be specific in your selection by asking, “What can this professional deliver?” Surveyors can analyze land, buildings, water, or machinery, and while many professionals are well rounded in all facets of surveying, some may specialize in specific areas. Therefore, review his or her past work to better understand the professional background and potential specialties of the practitioner.

2: Are they licensed?

Once you know what type of surveyor is needed, make sure that your surveyor is licensed. A professional license insures that you are working with someone who is reputable and has the necessary skills to conduct analyses and draft proper documents.

3: Do they have “local knowledge”?

Knowing that your potential surveyor is registered and trained in the specific nature of the work that needs to be contracted, it is then important to consider what local knowledge he or she may have. Hiring a surveyor with local knowledge can be beneficial as your property may have qualities that are unique to your specific area, and a local professional may best understand and execute the survey.

4: Do they have the right tools?

An equally important part of the selection process is to make sure that your surveyor has the proper tools. Your surveyor will be responsible for developing the documents that lay the foundations for your project. Therefore, it is important that your professional has the state of the art equipment available so that your survey is conducted properly.

5: How are their communication skills?

Finally, when hiring a surveyor, take into account the practitioner’s communication skills. A two-way conversation with your surveyor provides you both with a clear understanding of what will be delivered and in what time frame.

Personal budget is important as well, but it’s important to make informed decisions when choosing a surveyor. While your project may require different qualifications, it is generally best to first consider the type of survey needed, professional licensing, local knowledge, equipment, and communication skills when hiring a surveyor for your next construction project.

There you have it! The top 5 factors to consider when hiring a surveyor…

Good luck in your next project, and if you’re ever in Athens, stop by and see us.”

Until next time, all the best from W&A Engineering…