We get a request for an ALTA survey on a parcel that we have updated since the late 90??s.
Our proposal is accepted but in the meantime, the buyer is shopping. The buyer finds a lower bid and decides to contract with that surveyor.
That surveyor literally had the nerve...while apologizing...to ask for a CAD file....???
Not a @#$%%## chance.
I would not hesitate to sell the CAD data for 4-5 times my fee to gather and compile it...
I once had another surveyor copy my survey, and replace the title block, with his own.
He is no longer licensed.
N
That would have been one of the very few times in my life where I was at a loss for words.
I can't think of a professional way to tell someone to "sh*t and waller around in it".
?ÿ
If it was someone I knew well and trusted I would supply a copy of my drawing on paper.?ÿ Absolutely no way on handing out the CAD file.?ÿ If I've never heard of them, the answer is a very clear, "NO".
I would not hesitate to sell the CAD data for 4-5 times my fee to gather and compile it...
I would too, along with a disclaimer stating to use at own risk and indemnifing you how do you know you cad file is current and the client hasn't changed the property. Otherwise, dont return his call or email. No point taking liability without reward.
What I'd like to do........
Tell him you will provide him a with a coordinate file and that he can connect the dots. Then give him some old coordinate file you have no need for.?ÿ
What I'd most likely do.......
No.
????
On a side note to this topic, what would one do if at proposal stage, the client specifies that the CAD file is to be included in the deliverables?
I would exclude that item if they contracted with me on an ALTA.
A topographic survey for design work is a different matter.
Have lived that exact same scene
Good luck
@richard-imrie Clients often ask for the AutoCAD file and I always provide it. They paid for the survey, after all.
One would assume he knew what your answer would be.?ÿ It never hurts to ask, and you never know for sure until you do.
Proposal (contract) accepted as in signed? If so they are bound by contract to pay you. Now if you aren't using a contract and signature return to do work, it seems like you really need to start to!
I use contracts that are signed. Mine say in order to commence work, I need signed contract and retainer. I have had clients sign the contract, not send retainer... if I started work (precalcs), I insist they pay for work done up to date. If enough work is done worthy of a lien and they still dont pay, I will but with covid and processing/recording fees, its may not be cost effective.?ÿ
I've also had a few sign and never send a retainer.?ÿ I'll contact them, but they usually never reply, so their info goes into the dead jobs folder.?ÿ
I won't do any work on a project now without the retainer, unless I know them or have done work for them in the past, with no issues.
I definitely wouldn't bother going the court route.?ÿ Just take it as a learning experience.?ÿ As my old many used to say, you pay for your education one way or another.
Redneck Mafia, move control 0.4' left then right. A## scratch for days. What is going on with these angles.
Never done such but 3 beers angry, it crosses your mind.
Hey man, do your own work.
Live your mistakes not someone else's
I recently received a copy of an ALTA survey for a property. They needed a description that they could market since the sell fell through. I was hired to survey the property, monument and deliver a cleaned up description. I never thought of asking the ALTA surveyor for his CAD file. It wouldn't have crossed my mind.?ÿ