Finding a surveying company is not the hard part. Knowing how to compare them is.
When you search for surveying companies, you will find plenty of options. The tricky part is figuring out which one is the right fit for your specific job. Two companies can both hold valid licenses and still be very different in terms of experience, workload, and how they handle your type of project.
Here is how to make a smart comparison before you commit.
Start With the Type of Work You Need Done
Before you compare any companies, get clear on what you actually need. A surveying company that is great at residential boundary work may have no experience with commercial transactions. A firm that handles large infrastructure projects may not give a small residential job the attention it deserves.
The most common survey types include:
- Boundary surveys for property lines and lot corners
- ALTA surveys for commercial real estate closings
- Topographic surveys for drainage and site planning
- Elevation certificates for flood insurance
- As-built surveys after construction is complete
- LiDAR mapping for large development sites
When you call a company, ask how often they handle your specific type of survey. A company that does ten residential boundary surveys a week is a very different operation from one that does two a month.
Compare Experience, Not Just Years in Business
Years in business is not the same as relevant experience. A company that has been open for twenty years but mostly works on commercial infrastructure may not be the best choice for a residential lot survey in a Duval County subdivision.
Ask about the types of properties they have surveyed in the past year. Ask if they have worked on properties similar to yours in terms of size, location, and survey type. If you are buying land near the St. Johns River or in a flood-prone area of Jacksonville, ask specifically whether they have handled surveys in those conditions before.
Experience in a specific area also matters for record access. Companies that regularly work in Duval County know where to pull historical plat records, how local zoning offices process requests, and which flood map panels apply to different parts of the city.
Look at Their Deliverables, Not Just Their Price
When you get quotes from multiple surveying companies, the price difference can be significant. A gap of several hundred dollars between two quotes for the same survey type usually means something. It is worth understanding what each quote actually includes before you decide.
Ask each company what you will receive when the job is done. A complete deliverable should include:
- A signed and sealed survey drawing
- A written legal description if the project requires one
- All boundary calls, bearings, and distances clearly labeled
- Easements, encroachments, and right-of-way lines shown on the drawing
- The surveyor’s certification and license number on the document
Some companies deliver a basic sketch. Others produce a detailed, fully certified document. If you are using the survey for a real estate closing, a permit application, or any legal purpose, the document needs to meet specific requirements. Ask upfront whether their standard deliverable will be accepted by your lender, title company, or local permit office.
Ask How They Handle Problems in the Field
No two properties are exactly the same. Old surveys sometimes have gaps or conflicts. Monuments get disturbed. Deed descriptions do not always match what is on the ground. How a surveying company handles these situations says a lot about their skill and professionalism.
Ask what happens if they find a discrepancy between the current deed and physical evidence in the field. Do they document it and let you know before completing the work? Do they flag it on the final drawing? Do they contact the title company on your behalf?
A good surveying company communicates clearly when a problem comes up. A less experienced one may miss it entirely or bury it in the fine print of the final document.
Check How They Communicate Before You Hire
The way a company communicates before you sign tells you a lot about how they will communicate during the job. If it takes three days to get a return call on a simple quote request, that is a preview of what you can expect when you need an update on a project that is already underway.
When you reach out, pay attention to whether they:
- Answer your questions clearly without using unnecessary jargon
- Provide a written quote without being asked multiple times
- Give you a realistic timeline rather than a vague estimate
- Explain what they need from you to get started
Good communication does not mean constant updates. It means you always know where things stand without having to chase anyone down.
Understand What Happens After the Survey Is Done
A common oversight when comparing surveying companies is not asking what happens after the work is complete. Who do you call if there is a question about the final document six months later? Will the company still be reachable if an issue comes up during your closing or permit review?
Find out whether the company keeps a copy of your survey on file. Most reputable firms retain records for years. This matters if you ever need the survey updated, if a neighbor disputes a line, or if your lender requests a certified copy with an updated date.
Also ask whether the survey will be recorded with the county. Some survey types, like subdivision plats and certain boundary surveys, need to be officially recorded at the Duval County Clerk of Courts to have full legal standing.
