I am a LSIT and a long time lurker. My sister in law needs a survey in St Charles and got a bid from Frazier of $250. I cant leave the office hardly for less than $500. Is this guy ok? or maybe he did something in the area recently.
You are developing good instincts. Have your sister-in-law call the local Better Business Bureau to check if this individual has complaints. Also check with the State Board to see if he is actually licensed or some party chief trying to make some extra cash. If you are still questioning this individual's integrity, always remember that you get what you pay for.
Is this guy retired and just enjoys doing something a couple of times per year to remind himself of his younger days?
I can't do the research and final drawing for that, let alone actually drive somewhere and do all the field work.
I recommend she check with at least one other surveyor for a comparison. Two or three would be better.
As a licensed Missouri surveyor and having formerly lived and surveyed in the St. Louis area, I'm baffled at what some people charge. When I purchased my house in St. Louis, I was required to get a survey before closing (buyer pays). I had a good relationship with my realtor and asked her if she recommended anyone. (I was not licensed in MO yet and did not know any survey companies to ask.) I was provided three quotes, each with a separate price for a Mortgage Inspection and a Boundary Survey. All of the quotes for each type were about the same. I elected to go for the more expensive Boundary Survey since it only added about $100.
I received a Plat of Survey showing corners found and set, improvements shown and dimensioned. There was a retaining wall benefiting my property that was over the line. The same surveyor then prepared an easement description and exhibit for the neighbor to grant to the seller.
All of this was done to the tune of $335.
I went over the survey with a fine tooth comb and it looked good. Sure, it was hand drawn on a letter size sheet, no big deal to me.
Me, I can't start the truck for that kind of money, let alone pay my E & O insurance with such little income.
There are people who THINK they have little to no overhead who charge such measly rates.
I do not know the surveyor you mentioned. My advice is to seek another quote and ask lots of questions like "Exactly what services are you providing me for this fee?"
...ask lots of questions like "Exactly what services are you providing me for this fee?"
Right on.
When you do get a survey, email it to one of the regulars here, and they can post it on the forum, (unless you know how) and we can all look it over!)
N
Obviously he knows what he is worth !
There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse, and sell a little more cheaply.
The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey............. John Ruskin
Frazier - I believe he works out of his house. One man show and lives in St. Charles County. Saw him at a gas station once (The only gas station) in New Melle, MO population 475. I know he has been a "low" rates kinda guy for years. But could just have no overhead? Check his rates against some other firms out there. BAX, Picket Ray & Silver, or St. Charles Engineering.
But like the others said - we couldn't even drive there and back for $250.
[sarcasm]Send me a cheeseburger from that restaurant next to that gas station. I think my arteries have finally cleared out from the last one I ate.[/sarcasm]
