What does a land survey cost in Seattle?
It depends on the survey type, the terrain and how much record research is needed rather than on lot size alone. A boundary survey on a flat platted city lot sits at one end; a topographic survey of a steep, wooded Eastside lot or an ALTA/NSPS survey of a commercial parcel sits at the other. Send the address or parcel number and what was asked for, and you get a real number the same business day.
Do I need a survey to buy a house in Washington?
Usually not. Most residential sales here close without one, and the standard title policy excludes anything a survey would have shown. Buyers who want to know where the lines are - especially before adding a fence, an ADU or an addition - order a boundary survey themselves.
How long does a survey take?
Field work is rarely the slow part on a simple lot, though heavy canopy, steep ground and winter rain all stretch it. Research and drafting take the rest, and a record of survey has to be filed when corners are set. Tell us your permit or closing date on the first call and we will say plainly whether it is achievable.
What is a record of survey?
Under Washington's Survey Recording Act, a surveyor who sets monuments or finds material discrepancies with the record must file a record of survey with the county. In King County it becomes a public document the next surveyor, owner or buyer can rely on.
Which cities do you cover?
Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, Renton, Mercer Island and Kent, and nearby King County. Each city has its own permit counter and critical-areas rules, which is why each one has its own page.
My neighbour and I disagree about the fence. Can a survey settle it?
A survey shows where the record line runs and where the fence actually stands, which is what any resolution depends on. It does not decide a legal dispute by itself - long-standing use can carry weight - but no attorney can advise you properly without the map.
