If you’re planning a construction project, resolving a boundary dispute, or need certification for your property in Brisbane, hiring a qualified surveyor is essential.

At Survey My Block, we specialise in boundary surveys, detail surveys, and setout/certification surveys, ensuring precise and legally compliant results for homeowners, developers, and builders.

Asking the right questions before hiring a surveyor can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches. Here are the five key questions you should ask before booking a survey in Brisbane.

1. What is Included in the Survey, and How Are Boundaries Determined?

Understanding what your boundary survey includes is crucial. Boundary surveys define legal property lines and help prevent disputes with neighbours. When speaking with a surveyor, ask them:

• How will they determine the boundaries of your property?
• What methods and tools do they use?
• Will they physically mark the boundaries with pegs or other indicators?

At Survey My Block, we use state-of-the-art equipment, including GPS technology, electronic total stations, and reference to historical survey data, ensuring accurate and legally defensible boundary lines. Our surveys provide clear documentation of property limits, which is essential for legal purposes, property sales, fencing, and development approvals.

2. How Will the Survey Data Be Used and Recorded?

Survey data serves as legal documentation and should be recorded accurately. Depending on the type of survey, it may need to be submitted to relevant authorities. Key questions to ask your surveyor include:

• Will the survey be lodged with the local council or the Titles Office?
• Will the final survey report be provided in a digital or printed format?
• Will they offer an explanation of the survey findings to help you understand the results?

Boundary surveys are critical for property transactions and legal disputes, ensuring that all boundary lines comply with registered plans. Detail surveys, on the other hand, are commonly used by architects and designers for project planning, while setout surveys ensure buildings are constructed in the correct position according to approved plans. Our team ensures all surveys meet the necessary compliance and documentation requirements in Brisbane.

3. What Are Your Qualifications and Registration Status?

Not all surveyors are legally qualified to perform boundary surveys in Queensland. When hiring a surveyor, always check their qualifications and registration status.

• Are they a Registered Cadastral Surveyor in Queensland?
• Do they have experience with boundary, detail, and setout surveys?
• Are they insured in case of errors or disputes

At Survey My Block, we are fully registered with the Surveyors Board of Queensland, meaning we have the legal authority to conduct cadastral (boundary) surveys. Our team is experienced in handling residential, commercial, and industrial land surveys, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Queensland land laws.

4. What Are Your Legal Obligations and the Standards You Follow?

A reputable surveyor should follow strict professional standards to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Some key industry guidelines include:

• Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002 (which governs survey practices in Queensland)
• Queensland Land Title Act 1994, which sets the legal framework for land boundaries
• Building Regulations and Local Council Requirements

Surveyors must ensure their work is accurate and defensible. This is particularly important for setout surveys, which confirm that buildings, fences, or other structures are correctly positioned according to approved plans. In Brisbane, incorrectly positioned structures can lead to costly legal disputes or compliance issues, so choosing a surveyor with a strong track record is essential.

5. Why Do Survey Costs Vary Between Boundary, Detail, and Setout Surveys?

• Understanding the cost differences between various survey types can help you budget effectively. Here’s why costs may differ:
• Boundary Surveys require extensive research into historical survey data, legal property descriptions, and field verification. These surveys are legally binding and take more time and expertise to complete.

• Detail Surveys focus on mapping land features such as elevations, trees, utilities, and existing structures. These are primarily used for planning and design purposes and are generally faster to complete than boundary surveys.
• Setout & Certification Surveys ensure that construction follows approved plans. These surveys involve high precision work to position buildings, driveways, and other infrastructure correctly. Certification surveys provide the required documentation to councils or certifiers to verify compliance.

At Survey My Block, we offer transparent pricing and tailor our services to match the needs of each project. Whether you need a boundary survey for legal property clarification, a detail survey for planning, or a setout survey for construction, our team ensures accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

A professional survey is an investment in avoiding legal disputes, protecting your property rights, and ensuring construction accuracy. Asking the right questions before hiring a surveyor will ensure you receive a legally compliant and precise survey that meets your needs.

At Survey My Block, we specialise in boundary, detail, and setout/certification surveys across Brisbane. Our team of registered cadastral surveyors ensures accurate, high-quality results for homeowners, builders, and developers.