Land surveyors play a vital role in many aspects of Australian life, from helping to develop new infrastructure to resolving property disputes. If you need to hire a surveyor, it's important to choose a reputable and experienced professional.

Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know, including:

• What land surveyors do
• The most common issues for land surveyors
• How much it costs to hire a stone cladding installer
• How to hire a reputable stone cladding installer
• The benefits of hiring a land surveyor
• How to get quotes from land surveyors

What does a land surveyor do?

Land surveyors are responsible for measuring and mapping land. They use a variety of tools and techniques to determine the boundaries of properties, the location of natural features and the elevation of the land. On occasion, they work alongside building surveyors, such as in the case of land development.

Land surveyors work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Subdividing parcels of land into smaller lots
• Determining the boundaries of a property
• Ensuring a project is built according to plan and specifications
• Planning, which usually involves topographic surveys to create maps that show the elevation of the land.

Common tools used by surveyors include:

• Theodolites
• Electronic distance metres
• Tapes
• GPS units

Most common issues for land surveyors

One of the most common issues that surveyors deal with is property encroachment. This occurs when a neighbour builds a fence over the boundary line or a developer builds a new road on land that was previously part of a private property.

Encroachment can be a costly and time-consuming issue to resolve. In some cases, it may lead to legal disputes. Thankfully, surveyors can play a vital role in resolving property encroachment by accurately determining the boundaries of the properties involved. This information can then be used to negotiate a resolution with the encroaching neighbour or developer. If necessary, they can also provide expert testimony in court.

Read more: What is a boundary survey?

How much it costs to hire a land surveyor

Land surveying services in Australia typically cost between $90 and $170 per hour, but properties in hilly areas or with unusual shapes may cost more. Brisbane has the most affordable prices in Australia.

The type of survey requested can also affect total prices. A boundary survey for an average property in Australia ranges between $300 and $950, while a topographic survey could cost you anywhere between $350 and $10,500.

Read more: Cost guide to different surveyors

How to hire an experienced land surveyor

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues, or browse hipages to put together a list of local qualified professionals to reach out to.

Once you have a few names on your list, be sure to interview them and ask about their experience and fee structure.

Key questions to ask include:

• What types of work do you perform?
• What is your experience with surveying land in [your area]?
• What is your experience completing topographic surveys (or the specific survey you require)?
• Are you familiar with property disputes?

Benefits of hiring a land surveyor

When it comes to property ownership and land development, using a land surveyor is a wise investment.

One of the greatest benefits of hiring a surveyor is the assurance of well-defined property boundaries. This clarity guarantees that your construction or development project aligns precisely with your plans. This is particularly important for larger or more complex projects, like a new home.

They are also key in settling property disputes. If you find yourself in a disagreement with a neighbour over property boundaries,their ability to accurately determine the location of property lines can prevent costly legal battles.

Getting quotes from land surveyors

When comparing quotes, don't focus solely on price. Instead, consider the surveyor's experience, qualifications, and reputation. Read online reviews and ask for references to ensure you're hiring the best surveyor for your needs. After all, investing in a reputable land surveyor can really save you in the long term. 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.