How to Choose a Land Surveyor
To choose a land surveyor, start with the work your property needs. A boundary survey for a new fence, a topographic map for a building design and a commercial land title survey involve different research, measurements and deliverables. The right surveyor should be able to explain the recommended service and provide a clear scope of work.
Check professional qualifications and relevant experience
Ask who will be responsible for your survey and verify their professional license in the state where the property is located. Oregon provides an official license lookup through OSBEELS. For Washington projects, consult the state’s professional licensing resources.
Discuss experience with your type of property and project. Urban lots, rural acreage and development sites can present different records, access conditions and survey requirements. Familiarity with the local city or county can also help when coordinating the survey information needed for a project.
Explain what you plan to do
Tell the surveyor whether you are buying land, planning improvements, dividing a parcel or investigating a boundary concern. Share any requirements from your architect, engineer, lender, title company or planning department before the proposal is prepared.
If you are unsure which service to request, review our types of land surveys and describe the result you need. A clear purpose helps prevent a mismatch between the work ordered and the information your project requires.
Compare the scope of work in each proposal
Two prices may cover different services. Ask whether the proposal includes records research, field measurements, property corner markers, a survey map and any necessary filing. Confirm whether specific improvements, easements or areas of concern will be shown. Discuss additional requirements before comparing the total cost.
Our guide to land survey costs explains why terrain, records, access and the requested detail can affect the amount of work.
Ask about scheduling and communication
- When can research and fieldwork begin?
- What information or site access do you need to provide?
- What maps, markers or digital files will you receive?
- Who will explain the results and answer follow-up questions?
- How will additional work or a change in scope be handled?
Tell the surveyor about a purchase closing, design milestone or construction schedule early. Ask which parts of the timeline depend on records, access or agency review so you can plan the next steps realistically.
Discuss your project with Griffin Land Surveying
Griffin Land Surveying has served property owners for 25 years and now has three active survey teams in Oregon and Washington. Call or contact Griffin Land Surveying. Reach us at 971-235-0012 with your property address, contact details and project goals. We can help identify the survey service to discuss for your Oregon or Southwest Washington property.