Choosing between property survey companies is not just about finding the lowest price. The questions you ask before signing anything can save you from delays, unexpected charges, and results that do not hold up when you need them most. Here are the questions that actually matter, and why each one is worth asking.

Is the Surveyor Licensed in Georgia?

This is the first question to ask, and it is not negotiable. In Georgia, only a licensed Professional Land Surveyor can legally perform and certify a land survey. Licenses are issued by the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, and you can verify any surveyor’s license status directly on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website at verify.sos.ga.gov.

An unlicensed survey is not a legal document. It cannot be used in a real estate closing, a permit application, or a property dispute. Always confirm the license before the conversation goes any further.

What Is Included in the Quote?

A survey quote can look affordable until you find out what is not included. Before you agree to anything, ask specifically whether the following are part of the price:

• Monument setting. If your property corners need new iron pins or concrete markers, is that included or billed separately?
• Recorded plat. Will the surveyor file the final drawing with the county, or is that an extra step you handle yourself?
• Legal description. Some surveys include a written boundary description that can be used in a deed. Others do not.
• Rush fees. If you have a closing deadline, ask upfront whether faster turnaround costs more.

Getting a clear answer on these items prevents surprises when the final invoice arrives.

How Much Experience Do You Have in This Area?

Local experience matters more than most people realize. A surveyor who has worked in your neighborhood or zip code likely has records from nearby surveys already on file. That means less research time, which can lower your cost and speed up the timeline.

In Atlanta, properties in older neighborhoods like Inman Park, West End, and Kirkwood often have deed chains going back many decades. A surveyor familiar with Fulton County and DeKalb County records will navigate those histories faster than someone working in the area for the first time.

Ask how many surveys the company has completed in your area and whether they have prior records related to your property or subdivision.

Who Will Actually Do the Work?

Some survey companies use their own licensed staff. Others act as brokers and send the work out to subcontractors. Either model can produce good results, but you have a right to know who will be on your property and whose license will be on the final document.

Ask for the name of the licensed Professional Land Surveyor who will review and certify your survey. That person is legally responsible for the accuracy of the final product.

How Long Will It Take?

Timeline expectations vary a lot depending on the type of survey and the complexity of your property. A straightforward residential boundary survey in a recorded Atlanta subdivision typically takes one to two weeks. Older properties, rural parcels, or surveys requiring county review can take three to six weeks or longer.

If you are working toward a closing date or a permit deadline, give the company that date upfront. Ask whether they can meet it and whether there is an additional charge for a faster turnaround.

What Do I Need to Provide?

You can often lower your cost and speed up the process by providing documents before the work begins. Ask the surveyor what they need from you. Most will ask for:

• A copy of your current deed
• Any prior survey of the property, if you have one
• Your title insurance policy, if available
• The recorded subdivision plat, which can often be requested from the Fulton County or DeKalb County recorder’s office

Handing these over upfront reduces the time the surveyor spends on research, and that savings can show up in your quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify that a survey company is licensed in Georgia? 

Go to verify.sos.ga.gov and search by the surveyor’s name or license number. This is a free public database maintained by the Georgia Secretary of State. Any active license will show up there.

Is it okay to hire the cheapest survey company I can find? 

Price is worth comparing, but the lowest quote is not always the best choice. A very low quote sometimes means a narrower scope, fewer deliverables, or less experienced staff. Ask what is included before making a decision based on price alone.

Can I use the same survey company my neighbor used? 

Yes, and in many cases it is worth asking about. If the company recently surveyed a property next to yours, they may already have records and corner data that apply to your property as well. That can reduce their research time and potentially lower your cost.

What happens if two surveys of the same property show different results? 

This does happen, usually on older properties with unclear deed descriptions. If two certified surveys conflict, a real estate attorney can help determine which result is more legally sound. In some cases, a boundary line action through the Georgia court system may be needed to settle the question permanently.