If you own real estate, you'll likely need to hire a land surveyor at some point. Whether you want to build on the land or are facing a boundary dispute, you'll need the certainty only a survey can provide. If you don’t have much experience working with land surveyors and aren’t certain how to make the right choice, follow the three tips below.

3 Tips for Choosing a Good Land Surveyor

1. Licensing

The land surveyor you select should be licensed with the state of Connecticut. In all fifty states, licensing is required before surveyors can legally hang out their shingle. Connecticut requires applicants to pass a 2-hour National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) exam as part of the licensing process. This test evaluates their knowledge of the fundamentals of the industry. When you choose a licensed surveyor, you can be sure that they have at least basic surveying competency and have satisfied all state requirements set for your protection.

2. Experience

Work with a land surveyor who has already been in business for several years. At this point, they have likely had time to learn the nuances of their trade. Although there are certainly skilled surveyors newer to the industry, you can improve your odds of satisfaction if you choose someone with a decade or more of experience.

3. References

Ask any prospective land surveyor if they can provide a list of client references you can contact. If they can’t, move to the next candidate. If they do provide a list of references, contact several of their previous clients. Ask if they were satisfied with the results, the price, the company's professionalism, and any other issues that might concern you. These factors are overall far more important than price alone, since the accuracy of the survey will determine the value of the property.

If you seek an experienced land surveyor, contact Flynn & CYR Land Surveying in Berlin, CT. Founded in 1986, they specialize in property line surveys, subdivision surveys, FEMA surveys, and more. Call them at (860) 828-7886 or visit their website to request an estimate.