http://www.gaplanning.com/choosing-a-surveyor/ Another installment in our how to series: "Choosing A Surveyor". Athens Ga is our homebase, but these tips will serve you well wherever your next land surveying project is located.

2. Hello, this is Williams and Associates, an
Athens Ga-based engineering and
surveying firm, here again with another tip
from our
“How to” series.

3. Today we’ll be talking about factors to
consider when choosing a surveyor for
your next project.

4. OK, let’s get started…

5. Surveying is a trade that requires an
understanding of science, law,
mathematics, and engineering. Hiring the
right surveyor is essential to any
construction project as it is the surveyor’s
job to measure and determine the position
of places above, on, and/or beneath the
Earth’s surface.

6. We understand that services provided by
surveyors are complex and can be difficult
to understand…

7. because - beyond familiar boundary
surveys, these services may include
topographic surveys, as-built utility
surveys, ALTA/ACSM title surveys,
construction staking, platting/floodplain
mapping, and storm system mapping.
Then, these measurements and analyses
are documented in a way that depicts the
land in usable forms.

8. Don’t worry though, despite the complexity
of the options, there are still just a few key
factors to consider when hiring a surveying
company…

9. So, when looking to hire a surveyor for
your next construction project there are
really five main factors to consider: type of
survey; professional licensing; local
knowledge; state-of-the-art equipment; and
strong communication skills.

10. 1. Look for Specific Experience

11. The first factor to consider when choosing
a surveyor is the type of survey needed.
You have to be specific in your selection by
asking, “What can this professional
deliver?”

12. Surveyors can analyze land, buildings,
water, or machinery, and while many
professionals are well rounded in all facets
of surveying, some may specialize in
specific areas. Therefore, review his or her
past work to better understand the
professional background and potential
specialties of the practitioner.

13. 2. Are they licensed?

14. Once you know what type of surveyor is
needed, make sure that your surveyor is
licensed.

15. A professional license insures that you are
working with someone who is reputable
and has the necessary skills to conduct
analyses and draft proper documents.

16. 3. Do they have local
knowledge?

17. Knowing that your potential surveyor is
registered and trained in the specific nature
of the work that needs to be contracted, it
is then important to consider what local
knowledge he or she may have.

18. Hiring a surveyor with local knowledge can
be beneficial as your property may have
qualities that are unique to your specific
area, and a local professional may best
understand and execute the survey.

19. 4. Do they have the right
tools?

20. An equally important part of the selection
process is to make sure that your surveyor
has the proper tools.

21. Your surveyor will be responsible for
developing the documents that lay the
foundations for your project. Therefore, it is
important that your professional has the
state of the art equipment available so that
your survey is conducted properly.

22. 5. How are their
communication skills?

23. Finally, when hiring a surveyor, take into
account the practitioner’s communication
skills. A two-way conversation with your
surveyor provides you both with a clear
understanding of what will be delivered and
in what time frame.

24. Personal budget is important as well, but
it’s important to make informed decisions
when choosing a surveyor.

25. While your project may require different
qualifications, it is generally best to first
consider the type of survey needed,
professional licensing, local knowledge,
equipment, and communication skills when
hiring a surveyor for your next construction
project.

26. There you have it!
The Top 5 factors to consider when
hiring a surveyor…

27. Good luck in your next project, and if you’re
ever in Athens, stop by and see us.

28. Until next time, all the best from