How much will it cost?

This depends on the size of the search, how much you require from it and the size of the area/property. The location of the property will also manipulate the cost of the search as the type of the terrain may mean that further research and testing needs to be carried out, or this may influence what the survey is needed for, e.g. if you wish to build a conservatory which will then be converted into a kitchen and you needed to check whether correct drainage was possible. The surrounding terrain of the property as well as its shape will also influence how easy it is to conduct the field research, and the more complex and longer this is obviously the more costly the survey will be.

What you require from the survey will also help determine its cost. The complexity of the descriptions that are required of the survey are relative to its price, if a merely skeletal plan is required then not much detail is required of the surveyor. However if a exhaustive map is asked for, then the surveyor will have to spend longer detailing the topography of the site which will obviously take longer.

What do I need to tell the surveyor?

Before the surveyor starts on their research you need to make sure that you tell them all of your needs. You need to explain why you need the survey and what you want to use it for. For example, if it is to settle a boundary dispute then the surveyor does not need to investigate drainage systems in the area. However, using the example of water drainage for a kitchen extension again, this would be a key concern.

Telling the surveyor exactly what you want from the survey ensures that you get it and unnecessary time is not spent doing additional work that is not needed or vice versa. This will also ensure that the surveyor is able to give you an accurate estimate of the fees, which take into account the size of the survey and the amount of work and research that needs to be carried out.

You will also need to supply the surveyor with as much prior information you have about the area/property as possible. For example, deeds to the house will often be vital even if they are out-of-date. Copies of any previous surveys should also be provided, along with maps, records of titles or any specific knowledge you might have about the property.

What do I need to ask the surveyor?

• How much will the survey cost?
• How long will it take?
• Will I need to provide you with any knowledge on the area or with any documents?
• Do you have any suggestions as to the best ways to proceed?
• Have you done any surveys in this area before?
• Have you done any surveys of this type before? (This is only applicable if a specific type of survey is being carried out, for example percolation testing.)
• General questions into any aspects of the survey you are unsure about, or areas which you are uncertain about what will be required.