Frequently Asked Questions
Land Surveying FAQ
What is a land survey? [+ show][- hide]
A land survey presents the physical elements of your property on a map.
When should you do a land survey? [+ show][- hide]
As early as possible before a change in your property, including:
- Change in improvements: Before land is developed or altered by construction of buildings, additions or improvements, a survey will identify constraints such as boundaries, set-backs or wetlands.
- Hiring a property professional: Your architect, landscape architect, drainage engineer, real estate agent, land use attorney and contractor rely on accurate survey data to do their jobs.
- Change of control: Before you buy, sell, subdivide, or transfer any rights such an easement, a survey assures the location of property boundaries and the accuracy and wording of legal descriptions.
- Change in use: A survey is the first step in the process of applying for zoning changes or other use permits.
- Clarify property boundaries: A survey is needed to resolve boundary or encroachments disputes.
What kind of survey do you need? [+ show][- hide]
We will propose the optimal scope for your survey – detailed enough to accomplish your goals without requiring unnecessary work and expense.
How much will your survey cost? [+ show][- hide]
Our survey prices are very competitive. After preliminary research and scoping your survey, we will estimate the cost, which is determined by:
- Purpose of your survey and the required accuracy.Complexity of legal records concerning boundaries, deeds and easements.
- Field conditions, including size and shape, accessibility, existing markers, natural features and season of the year.
- Requirements of third parties, such as your title insurance, lender, zoning commission, and architect.
When you compare prices, be sure you are getting the right survey for your project.
Your best value will be a survey that meets all your needs and legal requirements, based on thorough deed research and field work.
What is important in selecting a firm for your survey? [+ show][- hide]
Check the firm’s reputation and professional credentials.
Reputation: A good surveyor meets the needs of the client’s architect, contractor, land use attorney, permitting authority and other users. Redniss & Mead’s clients range from individual homeowners to major developers, and we gladly provide references.
Credentials: Only a licensed, professional land surveyor may perform boundary or land title surveys in Connecticut and New York.
The surveyors at Redniss & Mead hold professional land surveyor licenses for Connecticut and New York. They are also respected, active members of land surveyor associations that provide peer recognition and continuing professional education.
Where can I learn more about land surveying? [+ show][- hide]
Check out these articles and professional associations.
- Selecting a Surveying Firm
- Quality Begins with Quality Based Selection
- Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors
- New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors
- National Society of Professional Surveyors
- American Congress on Surveying & Mapping
- American Land Title Association
Site Civil Engineering FAQ
What is site civil engineering? [+ show][- hide]
Site civil engineering is the science and art of designing infrastructure, utilities and land forms prior to their construction. Engineering includes the analysis of the function of existing and proposed systems on the property that will affect the project to be built.
When should you use a civil engineer? [+ show][- hide]
As early in the process as possible for your project, even before hiring an architect. You may want to use a civil engineer to analyze your site’s ability to support the type of use or construction that you contemplate. A civil engineer can also conduct a formal feasibility study to identify site constraints, regulatory issues and potential solutions before you spend on design.
What kind of engineering services do you need? [+ show][- hide]
The needed services depend upon your site, your project, and where you are in the process. We are pleased to talk to clients, with the goal of understanding what you need to accomplish, what challenges you face, and how we can best help you.
How much will civil engineering services cost? [+ show][- hide]
Again, it depends on your site and your project. Once we know your goals and the type of services you require, we will submit a written proposal. Your best value is the proper engineering – before you get too far down the road on your project.
What is important in selecting a civil engineering firm? [+ show][- hide]
Be sure to hire a professional engineer or P.E., who is licensed in the state where your project is located. The term “civil engineering” covers a wide range of disciplines and services, so be sure to select a firm that does a lot of work in the specific areas needed for your project. You want engineers who are both technically excellent as well as productive members of the project team, helping your project to be all that you envision.
Ask about comparable projects and check client references. Inquire about the firm’s reputation among professionals that provide related services, such as architects, contractors, land use attorneys, real estate developers, and staff at building departments and permitting agencies.
Where can I learn more about civil engineering? [+ show][- hide]
Visit these professional associations, in which Redniss & Mead engineers are active members:
Land Use Planning FAQ
What are your planning services? [+ show][- hide]
Land use planning services bring together a wide range of disciplines to assist you in transforming your land use idea into reality. Services may include engineering analysis of the physical constraints and infrastructure, cost analysis, regulatory permits and managing relationships with neighbors and other constituencies.
The planning consultant is a team player, collaborating with your architect, developer, contractor, legal counsel, financial experts, and public relations advisors to make sure everything is addressed without needless overlap, conflict or expense.
When should you start the land use planning process? [+ show][- hide]
As early as possible, even before buying land for your project. For complex projects, you may want to commission a formal feasibility study to identify site constraints, regulatory issues and potential solutions before you make financial commitments or announce your intentions to develop your parcel.
How much will planning services cost? [+ show][- hide]
The cost will depend on the size and complexity of your project. After learning your goals and the type of services you require, we will submit a written proposal.
Your best value is professional planning that identifies and solves problems as early as possible in the process—even before you acquire the land for your project.
What is important in selecting a firm for planning assistance? [+ show][- hide]
Look at the firm’s track record, credentials, breadth of services and reputation.
Learn about the firm’s experience handling projects of the scale and complexity that you are contemplating and check client references. Investigate the firm’s reputation among professionals that have been involved in similar projects, such as architects, contractors, land use attorneys, real estate developers and permitting agencies.
Consider the professional credentials of the individual firm members, including certification in land use planning by the American Institute of Certified Planners as well as credentials in civil engineering and land surveying. Review the range of services provided by the firm—planning, engineering, surveying and mapping—to manage down the number of players on your project.
Permitting FAQ
What are permitting services? [+ show][- hide]
As provessional surveyors, engineers and planners with permitting experience, we help you by designing and engineering your project to meet permitting requirements. We begin with the end in mind: a successful permit application.
For projects large and small we usually do preliminary work with the permitting agencies to understand their perspective and to obtain early guidance on your project application.
We also assist you and your land use attorney in preparing your permit application package, including engineering data analysis, maps and other tools to communicate the benefits of your project to the permitting authorities.
When appropriate, a member of our firm will make a presentation or answer questions about the engineering aspects of your project at public hearings or agency meetings.
When should you start the permitting process? [+ show][- hide]
As early in the process as possible for your project, even before hiring an architect. For complex projects, you may want to commission a formal feasibility study to identify site constraints, regulatory issues and potential solutions before you spend money or make public announcements.
How much will permitting services cost? [+ show][- hide]
The cost will depend on your site, your project and how many permitting agencies are involved. Once we know your goals and the type of services you require, we will submit a written proposal.
Your best value is professional assistance that identifies and solves permit problems long before you attend your application hearing.
What is important in selecting a firm for permitting assistance? [+ show][- hide]
Know the firm’s track record in producing successful permit applications and appearing before permitting authorities for projects like yours. Inquire whether members of the firm have experience serving on permitting boards or commissions.
Ask about comparable projects and check client references. Inquire about the firm’s reputation among professionals that are also involved in the permit process, such as architects, contractors, land use attorneys, real estate developers, and staff at building departments and permitting agencies.
