If you’re buying, selling, or developing property in Ohio, working with a professional land survey company can save you time, money, and legal trouble. From resolving boundary disputes to preparing construction permits, a land survey ensures you have clear, legal documentation of your property’s boundaries and features.
Whether you're a homeowner in Columbus or managing a development in rural Ohio, understanding how the process works can help you choose the right surveyor and get the results you need.
Why Ohio Property Owners Need Land Surveys
![]() |
"Land surveyor in a high-visibility vest using a total station in a rural Ohio field during a property boundary survey." |
Buying or selling property – Confirm the exact lot size and boundaries before closing.
Planning construction – Know where your legal limits are before adding a fence, garage, or home addition.
Resolving neighbor disputes – Prevent or resolve conflicts over property lines.
Subdividing land – Legally divide or adjust parcel boundaries.
In all these cases, a licensed land surveyor provides official documentation that can be used for legal filings, permits, or real estate transactions.
Buying or selling property – Confirm the exact lot size and boundaries before closing.
Planning construction – Know where your legal limits are before adding a fence, garage, or home addition.
Resolving neighbor disputes – Prevent or resolve conflicts over property lines.
Subdividing land – Legally divide or adjust parcel boundaries.
How to Choose a Reliable Land Survey Company in Ohio
Not all surveyors are the same. Choosing the right company helps ensure accuracy, timely service, and a stress-free experience. Look for:
Proper licensing – Surveyors must be licensed by the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.
Local experience – Firms familiar with your county or city understand local ordinances and land records.
Modern equipment – Surveyors who use GPS, total stations, drones, and mapping software often deliver faster, more accurate results.
Positive reviews or referrals – Check online ratings or ask neighbors and contractors for recommendations.
A locally based company will also be more familiar with Ohio’s terrain, access issues, and survey standards.
Proper licensing – Surveyors must be licensed by the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.
Local experience – Firms familiar with your county or city understand local ordinances and land records.
Modern equipment – Surveyors who use GPS, total stations, drones, and mapping software often deliver faster, more accurate results.
Positive reviews or referrals – Check online ratings or ask neighbors and contractors for recommendations.
What the Survey Process Looks Like (Step-by-Step)
1. Initial Contact and Estimate
Once you contact a land survey company, you’ll be asked for your property address, parcel number, and survey purpose (e.g., construction, title transfer, dispute). Based on this info, the company will provide a quote.
Factors that affect price:
Property size
Type of survey (boundary, topographic, ALTA, etc.)
Terrain complexity (trees, slopes, fences)
Access to county property records
Property size
Type of survey (boundary, topographic, ALTA, etc.)
Terrain complexity (trees, slopes, fences)
Access to county property records
2. Records Research and Scheduling
Surveyors start by researching deeds, plats, and maps from thents.
Scheduling will depend on the company's availability, and weather delays are common in Ohio—especially during heavy rain or snow.
3. On-Site Field Work
Surveyors visit your property using GPS equipment, total stations, or drones. On-site work may include:
Locating and marking boundary corners
Measuring distances, slopes, and improvements
Identifying encroachments or access issues
Flagging lines for future construction or fence installation
Field time varies from a few hours to a full day or more depending on land size and accessibility.
Locating and marking boundary corners
Measuring distances, slopes, and improvements
Identifying encroachments or access issues
Flagging lines for future construction or fence installation
4. Survey Drawing and Delivery
The surveyor will create a survey plat (map), which includes:
Legal boundary lines and accurate property line mapping
Buildings, fences, roads, and easements
Any visible encroachments or conflicts
Utility lines and right-of-way features*
The final report is typically delivered in PDF format and may also be printed. It can be used for real estate closings, zoning applications, or contractor planning.
Legal boundary lines and accurate property line mapping
Buildings, fences, roads, and easements
Any visible encroachments or conflicts
Utility lines and right-of-way features*
Comments
Post a Comment