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How Much Does a Land Survey Cost in Georgia?

The factors that affect what you will pay, and how to get an accurate quote.

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What Determines Your Survey Cost

The cost of a land survey in Georgia depends mainly on the type of survey you need and the specifics of your property. Here is what each common survey type is used for and what drives its price:

Survey Type Common Use What Affects the Price
Boundary Survey Fence, sale, dispute Lot size, terrain, deed complexity
ALTA Survey Commercial purchase, lender Table A items, property size, easements
Topographic Survey Grading, drainage, design Acreage, terrain, level of detail
Site Plan Building permit Property size, detail required
Parcel Split / Subdivision Dividing land Number of lots, county requirements

Because every property is different, the only way to know what your survey will cost is a project-specific quote. S&S Land Surveying provides free, no-obligation estimates.

Factors That Affect Survey Cost

No two properties are exactly alike, and several factors influence the final price of your survey:

  • Property Size (Acreage) -- A quarter-acre city lot will cost less to survey than a 50-acre rural tract. More land means more boundary lines to measure and more corners to locate.
  • Terrain and Access -- Heavily wooded, steep, or swampy land takes longer to survey because crews must clear sight lines and navigate difficult ground conditions.
  • Deed Complexity -- Older properties with metes-and-bounds descriptions, multiple previous owners, or vague legal descriptions require more research at the county courthouse before fieldwork can begin.
  • Existing Markers -- If previous survey markers (iron pins, rebar, or monuments) are in place and in good condition, the survey goes faster. If they are missing or disturbed, the surveyor must do additional work to reconstruct the corners.
  • Survey Type -- An ALTA survey costs more than a boundary survey because it meets stricter national standards and includes additional items like utility locations and zoning verification.
  • Rush Timeline -- If you need the survey completed faster than the standard turnaround time, expedited service may carry an additional fee.

Why Cheap Surveys Are Risky

When shopping for a surveyor, you may find quotes that seem unusually low. While everyone appreciates saving money, an inexpensive survey that cuts corners can cost you far more in the long run. Here is why:

  • Insufficient research -- A surveyor who skips thorough deed and plat research may miss an easement, encroachment, or boundary discrepancy that affects your property rights.
  • Unlicensed work -- In Georgia, only a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) can legally prepare a survey plat. If the person doing the work is not licensed, the plat has no legal standing.
  • No recorded plat -- Some budget operators provide a sketch but do not prepare a plat suitable for county recording. A sketch that is not suitable for recording gives you far less to rely on if a boundary is ever questioned.

At S&S Land Surveying, every survey we perform includes a legal plat prepared and signed by a Georgia-licensed Professional Land Surveyor with over 40 years of experience. That level of credibility and accuracy is what protects your investment.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

The best way to find out what your survey will cost is to contact a local surveyor and provide a few key details about your property:

  • The address or parcel number
  • The approximate acreage
  • The reason for the survey (fence, sale, building, dispute, etc.)
  • Whether you have a copy of a previous survey or plat

With that information, S&S Land Surveying can provide a free, no-obligation estimate -- usually shortly. We serve property owners throughout Georgia, including Rome, Cedartown, and Cartersville from our office in Cedartown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a boundary survey cost in Georgia?

The cost of a boundary survey in Georgia depends on the size and shape of the property, the terrain, and the complexity of the deed history. Larger or wooded properties and older deeds take more work. Contact S&S Land Surveying at 678-873-3119 for a free estimate specific to your property.

Why are some surveys more expensive than others?

Survey costs vary based on property size (acreage), terrain difficulty, deed complexity, the type of survey needed, and the amount of research required at the county courthouse. An ALTA survey costs more than a boundary survey because it includes additional Table A items and must meet national standards.

Is it worth paying for a professional land survey?

Yes. A professional survey provides a legal document that protects your property rights. The cost of a survey is small compared to the potential cost of a boundary dispute, encroachment removal, or title issue discovered during a sale.

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Call us today at 678-873-3119 or request a free estimate online.

General information, not legal advice. This page is general information about land surveying in Georgia, not legal advice. Property rights, boundary disputes, recording requirements and permitting vary by county and depend on the specific facts of your property. A licensed surveyor establishes where your boundary falls. Questions about your legal rights should go to a Georgia real estate attorney.