Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
What is a Registered Surveyor
A Registered Surveyor is the only professional who’s legally qualified to survey property boundaries in NSW. All Registered Surveyors in NSW are regulated by legislation, which is administered by the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI) www.bossi.nsw.gov.au. Anyone who is NOT a Registered Land Surveyor and undertakes boundary surveys cannot be insured against incorrect, defective or substandard work, as they are breaking the law.
Jack Atkinson is a fully certified and insured Registered Surveyor.
What does a surveyor do?
Surveying is the accurate determination of the relative positions of points above, on, or below the earth’s surface for the planning and efficient administration of the land, the sea and any structures thereon. A Surveyor provides information that guides engineers, architects, town planners, builders and developers to ensure the projects they are building are located in the right place.
When do I need a Registered Surveyor?
Registered Surveyors provide invaluable services if you need:
- advice on matters related to land, land rights and land dealings
- identification of boundaries when purchasing property
- location of boundaries required for any other purpose
- advice on the processes of land development & land
- administration
- preparation of subdivision proposals
- pegging out lots of a subdivision and supervision of subdivision
- works & services
- help dealing with planning approval & appeals
dealings with strata ownership and boundaries.
Can I locate my boundary lines myself for free?
It is illegal for anyone who is not a Registered Surveyor to carry out any survey involving property boundaries, including the setting out of buildings at a stated offset from a property boundary. Trying to DIY your boundaries can expose you to serious and costly risks relating to building compliance and encroachments.
How long does land surveying take?
It depends on the project and can range from days to weeks. When approvals are required, the process often takes longer. We keep you informed throughout the process so your project can be planned out with this knowledge in advance.
How much does land surveying cost?
The cost of land surveying depends on a number of variables: size of the job, location, and type of land. Most land surveys are charged per hour of work, a few services are a one-off charge. We will provide you with a detailed quote before we start any surveying work.
Do I need a land survey to build a fence?
Even though it’s not a legal requirement in NSW, it’s a good idea to get your property surveyed so you can be sure you are building your fence in the correct location.
I'm buying or selling a property. Do I need a land survey completed?
It isn’t mandatory to have a survey completed before buying or selling property in NSW. However, it’s highly recommended that you engage a surveyor to ensure the property or land you are buying has no encumbrances or encroachments that may impact the way you intend to use the property.
What information do I need to provide before the survey can start?
Before we can begin working on your project, we need property information including the address and legal identification details, ie Lot and Deposited Plan number. Depending on your project, we may need additional information from you but we’ll let you know up front. We also get a verbal or written brief from you so we understand the project fully and can start the necessary survey work.
Will my land survey expire?
Property boundaries do not change unless the lot is subdivided or consolidated by a new survey plan. For this reason, a Boundary Survey does not expire.
Detail and Identification Surveys are plans that show what’s located at a particular point in time. For this reason, these plans can expire or be out-dated when modifications are made or additions are built on the property.
I work for a civil company or council. Can you help me on future projects?
With over 15 years of experience, Jack Atkinson Surveying can provide quality survey services for all infrastructure projects. When you work with us, you also get reliable advice on the best way to get your job done efficiently and safely.
How long does it take to do a subdivision?
On average, we allow 8 weeks for a subdivision, although every situation will vary. We’ll give you our best estimation of timeframes when you contact us.
