Frequently Asked Questions

Banks typically require an updated survey when property is sold or refinanced. Beyond that, surveys are needed for building permits, fence installation, subdivision approvals, and any time you want a clear, accurate picture of what you actually own. A good survey keeps everyone on the same page — and out of court.
It depends on the size of the property, its history, and the scope of work. The quickest way to find out is to request a quote directly on our website — we'll get back to you with a price and a timeline.
That depends on complexity and our current schedule. When you request a quote, we'll include a time estimate. If you have a hard deadline — like a closing date — let us know upfront and we will try to prioritize your survey accordingly.
Usually, no. We'll do our thing and you won't need to be there. If there's something specific you want to show us, or if it's a subdivision project, we'll set up a time to meet you on site. If it is for a Flood Certificate, we will need to access inside to measure the finished floor elevation and utilities.
If it has our name on it, yes — and it's easier than starting over. We'll revisit the property, locate the corners, and note any changes since the original survey. Because the groundwork is already done, it's faster and priced accordingly.
If the survey was completed by another firm, we're not able to update or recertify someone else's work — but we're happy to perform a new survey from scratch.

You'll receive four hard copies plus a digital PDF. Need more copies? Just ask. Engineers can request a CAD file — no problem.
We'll mail them, or deliver locally to an agreed address. Pickup works too — just call ahead to make sure someone's in the office.
Certifications identify who is legally authorized to rely on the survey — buyers, sellers, attorneys, title companies, lenders, etc. If you're unsure what yours should include, consult your attorney. Just let us know before we print, and we'll make sure everything is in order.
Give our office a call or send us an email and let us know. We're happy to discuss any questions or concerns and make corrections if needed.

Cash, check, bank transfer, card, or PayPal.
Checks should be made out to CNY Land Surveying LLC and mailed to 2075 Church Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.

Yes. Under Section 9-105 of New York State General Obligations Law, licensed surveyors and their crew have legal authority to enter land in the course of conducting a survey — during reasonable hours and within a reasonable distance of the property line. We always carry proper ID and are happy to show it on request. We may also need to locate pins on neighboring properties to establish your boundary accurately. That's how everyone ends up with what belongs to them.
No — unless noted on your map, most likely those are traverse points, used to set up equipment during the survey. Your actual property corners will usually be iron rods with a CNY Surveying cap, unless on the rare occasion, we have to place a nail into pavement. Either way, please leave the nails in place until the survey is fully complete, as we may need them again.
Absolutely. If the survey was recent, it's also possible the pins haven't been set yet — that's typically the last step. In high-traffic areas, we sometimes set pins below grade, so a metal detector can help. Give us a call and we'll sort it out.

That's a legal matter — and your first call should be to your attorney. A boundary line agreement with your neighbor is often the path forward, and we can provide the documentation they'll need.
We can identify the owner of record during research, but legal ownership disputes are settled by courts — not surveyors. Our job is to find, map, and stake the boundary based on deeds and legal descriptions. We'll show you exactly where the lines are. What happens after that is between you, your attorney, and the facts.