Virginia gives the products separate rules
18VAC10-20-370 sets land-boundary surveying standards. Section 380 addresses physical improvement surveys, and section 382 covers topographic surveys. Ask which standard and deliverable the proposal is using.
The jurisdiction name affects the records search
Virginia maintains separate city and county governments. Under Virginia Code 15.2-1600, each county and city elects a clerk whose circuit-court office records deeds. A postal city name therefore is not enough: give the surveyor the actual city or county where the land is located so the correct deed and plat office can be searched.
Match the assignment to the use
| Use | Scope to define |
|---|---|
| Fence or dispute | Boundary retracement, relevant corners, line stakes, occupation evidence, and map. |
| Closing or refinance | Exact physical improvement or title-related product and permitted reliance. |
| Design | Boundary basis, contours, datum, features, utilities, trees, drainage, and digital format. |
| Rural or waterfront | Long boundaries, woods, slope, water, access, easements, and agency requirements. |
What should be explicit in the estimate
- Correct city or county and every parcel.
- Deeds, plats, title exceptions, easements, and prior surveys.
- Monuments recovered or set and lines physically marked.
- Improvements, topography, elevations, utilities, or water features located.
- Signed map, digital file, description, certification, filing, and deadline.
A Virginia request that prevents mismatched bids
Property: [address, independent city or county, parcel IDs]
Purpose: [fence, closing, dispute, design, permit, title]
Requested product: [boundary, physical improvement, topo, other]
Documents: [deed, plat, title, plans]
Needed: [corners, lines, improvements, contours, map, file]
Deadline: [date]
Please state the governing survey standard, field limits, filing, and exclusions.
Purpose: [fence, closing, dispute, design, permit, title]
Requested product: [boundary, physical improvement, topo, other]
Documents: [deed, plat, title, plans]
Needed: [corners, lines, improvements, contours, map, file]
Deadline: [date]
Please state the governing survey standard, field limits, filing, and exclusions.
Verify the license
Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 4 regulates the profession. Confirm the responsible surveyor through the DPOR lookup.