Find answers to all the frequently asked questions including location vs boundary drawings. Visit our videos for video content on commonly asked questions.
One of our crews will make a trip out to your property, however, they are only there to gather data and information. They do not set or mark any property lines while there, they are there to draw, measure and locate all improvements observed on the subject property – as quickly as possible. This data is brought back to our office and is entered into our computers along with the information we obtain from the county land records. The end product is a “Location Drawing/Plat” of your property and the “visible improvements”. This survey is used by Title Companies and Lenders for real estate transactions and by contractors and property owners for permits for things such as decks and sheds. It does fall under the “SITE PLAN” umbrella that some government agencies refer to, however, there are dozens and dozens of “SITE PLANS” , this is just one and may or may not be all that is required for your permit. Please feel free to print out a copy of one of our Location Drawings or contact us and we will email you one and verify with the appropriate agency that it is all that is needed. A “Location Drawing” should NEVER be used or relied upon to determine or establish PROPERTY BOUNDARY LINES or to put up FENCES. It is simply “a drawing that shows the approximate location of the improvements on your property in relation to your property lines”. This process usually takes 2-3 business days to complete.
A “Boundary/Stake Survey” WILL determine and establish the property boundaries. It requires 2 steps to the property, the first step is very similar to the trip made for a “Location Drawing” and will only be for gathering data. It is much more time consuming and thorough, we look for all of the subject properties survey markers as well as additional markers on surrounding and neighboring properties. The data will then be entered into our computers to determine where the subject property corners are to be set. The crew will then return to the property and set the markers. There will be an Iron pipe flush with the ground with a 2 foot tall wood stake at every corner with bright blue flagging. This survey also includes a “plat”, that will show the boundary lines, improvements and markers set. If additional stakes are needed along property lines, our standard fee is $250 for up to 10 additional stakes. This process usually takes 3-4 weeks to complete.
NOTE: You can “UPGRADE” your Location Drawing to a Boundary/Stake Survey for one year from the date of your Location Drawing and receive a “full” credit for any monies paid to us for the Location Drawing.
Duley and Associates, Inc. currently performs “Location Drawings” In Washington DC & in all of Maryland excluding Allegany & Garrett Counties
Duley and Associates are currently performing “Boundary Surveys” in the following jurisdictions:
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore County
- Calvert County
- Carroll County
- Charles County
- Frederick County
- Howard County
- Montgomery County
- Prince Georges County
- Queen Anne County
- St. Mary’s County
- Talbot County
- For additional counties please contact us
For more information about the surveying work that you may need, please call our office Monday through Friday 9:00A.M. until 3:00P.M.
Note: Although our office is open from 8:00A.M. until 4:00P.M., 9 to 3 will be the best time to reach someone who can answer your question OR you can always email your question to chevas@duley.biz
For All rush orders, please follow up to our offices with a phone call: 301-888-1111
How much does a survey cost?
Location Drawings that are under an acre start at $350.00 and up (Title companies please call the office for a possible discounted rate.)
Boundary Surveys start at $1500.00 and up
For a quote, please call 301-888-1111 between 9am – 3pm or email: chevas@duley.biz
How can I place an order?
There are two groups of people who order surveys from us:
Title Companies: If a “Location Drawing” is to be used for settlement purposes, the Title Company can place an order online. If the Title Company places an order for a “Location Drawing”, the survey will be paid for at the time of settlement, however if a “Boundary Survey” is requested, payment must be made in full up front.
All others: You may submit an order online or once you have determined exactly what survey you need simply call our office to place your order. All surveys must be paid in full, up front, before we start any work.
Duley and Associates Inc. accepts payments in the forms of cash, check, or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). Note: There is a 3% fee for credit cards.
Some surveyors charge less because they cut corners, lack proper licensing or insurance, or use untrained staff for fieldwork while a licensed surveyor simply signs off. They may also skip essential steps or use outdated equipment, leading to lower quality and potential legal or financial risks for the client. While these services might seem cost-effective initially, they can result in inaccurate surveys and costly fixes later. Always prioritize quality and credentials when selecting a surveyor.
- Check Their Reviews
Research online reviews to see feedback from previous customers. If you can’t find them online or they have no reviews, consider this a major red flag. Legitimate companies typically have an established online presence. - Verify Insurance and Licenses
Request proof of liability insurance, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, and a valid business license. These should be provided immediately upon request. If they hesitate or cannot produce these documents while you’re on the call, avoid working with them. - Confirm Full-Time Employment of the Surveyor
Ask if the licensed surveyor is a full-time employee or just signs off on surveys. Some companies pay licensed surveyors to “rubber stamp” work completed by unqualified individuals, which compromises accuracy and legality. Always ensure the surveyor conducting the work is directly involved and properly licensed.
Those apps provide a rough estimate of boundaries but lack precision. Satellite data, taken from 20 miles above Earth, often deviates by hundreds of feet. While useful for general guidance, they’re not accurate enough to define exact property lines—only a licensed surveyor can ensure accuracy.