Do you need to hire a surveyor for your real estate project? If you’re considering a real estate project, you might be asking yourself whether hiring a surveyor is necessary and how much their service will cost. This is a perfectly valid question!
To assist you, we’ve compiled a guide outlining the recommended fees and services from the Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec (OAGQ). But first, let’s take a moment to explore the various roles that surveyors play in real estate.
What services does a land surveyor provide?
In Quebec, land surveyors serve as public officials with expertise in property boundaries and geomatics. They offer a range of important services, including:
- Demarcation: clearly establishing the boundaries between neighbouring properties.
- Technical description: detailing the limits of a parcel of land with specific rights.
- Cadastral operations: creating geographical representations of properties (cadastral plans) and assigning distinct lot numbers.
- Picketing: providing professional assessments of property boundaries.
- Certification of rental spaces: accurately defining the areas of rental spaces within a building.
- Implantation: determining the precise location for future construction on the land.
- Spatial planning: assisting municipalities with mapping needs and geospatial data analysis.
Reserved Acts by law
According to the law, land surveyors have exclusive rights to conduct all surveying operations related to both private and public land, as well as to perform associated tasks in mapping, geodesy, and photogrammetry. These activities are reserved specifically for them.
As a result, no other professionals are permitted to undertake these tasks; only licenced surveyors are authorized to execute these operations.
How to recognize a good land surveyor?
When evaluating a land surveyor, consider the following criteria to ensure you choose a qualified expert:
- Education.
- Professional membership.
- Professional qualities.
Education
In Quebec, the only academic program that qualifies individuals for a land surveyor license if the bachelor’s degree in geomatics offered by the Laval University.
This university-level program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for the profession, preparing them for the various challenges they will encounter in the field.
Professional membership
All land surveyors in Quebec must be a member of the Ordre des Arpenteurs-Géomètres du Québec (OAGQ). This organization sets the standards of practice and regulations that govern the profession. Membership also requires land surveyors to maintain mandatory insurance coverage, ensuring they are protected while conducting their professional activities.
Professional qualities
In addition to meeting educational and regulatory standards, a skilled land surveyor should possess several key qualities:
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Knowledge of area and regulations
- Clear quotation
- Curiosity
- Transparency
- Meticulousness
- Attention to details
A competent surveyor will typically ask you various questions about the work location, property size, and any natural constraint before providing an estimate. It’s also important to discuss your project timeline upfront to ensure alignment.
Using our XpertSource.com platform can help you find a qualified professional in your area at a competitive price, with the added assurance that their credentials have been pre-vetted.
How much does a certificate of location cost?
A certificate of location is an essential document for any real estate transaction in Quebec. For a single-family home in an urban area, the estimated cost is around $1,550, plus taxes. However, this price can vary based on the location and the characteristics of your property, as well as the surveyor you choose.
Who pays for the certificate of location?
In a real estate transaction, the seller is responsible for providing a valid certificate of location. If the existing document is no longer valid, the seller must cover the cost of producing a new one. However, if a new certificate is requested and shows no changes from the previous one, the buyer will be responsible for the cost.
Land surveyor's fees according to OAGQ rates
The Ordre des Arpenteurs-Géomètres du Québec (OAGQ) has established a 2024 guide of suggested rates for land surveyors. This guide is intended for informational purposed and serves as a reference for members to determine raid and reasonable fees.
Here’s a summary of the suggested prices for various services:
| Type of service | Estimated costs* |
|---|---|
| Certificate of location (single-family house in an urban environment) | $1,550 |
| Layout, layout certificate and location certificate | $2,255 |
| Staking and staking certificate (isolated case - investigation excluded) | $1,550 |
| Registration (if required, land survey excluded) | |
| First lot created | $1,410 |
| Each additional lot created | $420 |
| Technical description (field survey excluded) | |
| First plot | $700 |
| Each additional plot (same minute) | $245 |
| Copies and certification of documents | $240 |
| File opening | $135 |
| Digital plan (file) | $460 each |
Source: Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec(OAGQ)
* Suggested prices exclude applicable taxes
Hourly rates for land surveyors services
The fees charges by land surveyors can vary based on their level of experience:
- Junior (0 to 5 years of experience): $165.00/hour
- Intermediate (5 to 10 years of experience): $235.00/hour
- Senior (more than 10 years of experience): $305.00/hour.
In addition to these hourly rates, other fees may apply depending on the specific services provided by the surveyor.
| Type of service | Fees* |
|---|---|
| Site survey | |
| 1 person | $165/hour |
| Per additional person | $67/hour |
| Research | |
| At the registry office, municipality, land surveyor's or notary's office, Gaz Métropolitain, Hydro-Québec, Bell Canada, Canadian National, etc. | $150/hour |
| CAD and DAO | $150/hour |
Source: Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec (OAGQ)
* Suggested prices exclude applicable taxes
How can I find a land surveyor at the best price?
Since rates can vary significantly among land surveyors, it’s wise to reach out to multiple professionals in your area.
However, don’t just focus on the lowest price! It’s important to choose an experienced professional who is dedicated to delivering quality work, which may come with a slightly higher fee.
How to choose your land surveyor?
When selecting a land surveyor, make sure that the professional is a member in good standing with the Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec (OAGQ) and carries liability insurance.
It’s also advisable to obtain at least three quotes. These should be clear and detailed, including a price list for the requested services. This way, you can compare the option and choose the professional who best suits your needs.
Are you looking to understand your property bounderies?
XpertSource.com can help you find a land surveyor. When you tell us about your project, we put you in touch with qualified resources for FREE. Simply fill out our form ( it only takes a few minutes ) and we will connect you with professionals.
