The Results of Survey

Let me start out by saying that the requirements for a “Results of Survey” as set forth by the BTR are pretty awesome.

I believe that it makes the surveyor more responsible for his actions and procedures and holds him absolutely accountable and therefore increasing a professional attitude.

I love the fact that more survey information is available to me on the internet therefore making our research efforts easier (in certain counties that is), giving us a better taste test comparison between surveys etc.

Now I am going to throw out a problem and that problem is cost.

Note: Every job is different and has a unique set of circumstance (a cool thing about surveying), so I want to use a basic stereo type for this post.

Example:  We are hired by someone that is only interested in seeing where their corners are, they could care less about a map, public records, law etc. they only want to see the position of the monuments on the ground for who knows what, a new wall, shrubs, the possibilities are endless.

We being the good surveyors that we are go out and discover that an ROS is required according to the BTR. We explain to our client that we have to file a map in order to up hold standards put upon us.

Note: When presenting a client with a scope of service I clearly state that if an ROS is required per BTR standards $XXX will be added to the cost for mapping, filing fees etc.

The client knowing everything up front finds out that this has to happen and tells you straight out that they do not need it, it does them absolutely no good and they are not going to pay for it.

So here we have our dilemma. In today’s climate we as surveyors have given the client the privilege of choosing by price which to our detriment has made things really tough on the bottom line (profit) of any project.

Now I am going to tell you that I agree with the client. 90% of the time an ROS is a useless piece of paper to a client and they most likely feel robbed because they had to pay for.  

In my opinion this hurts future business referrals and the client will only remember how expensive it was, not the fantastic customer service they received. (People are prone to remember the negative first).

It’s hard enough to even get a project because of all the people out there willing to pay for work (to be discussed at a later date), but how do we as surveyors convince a client that an ROS is good and beneficial when most of the time the only thing it helps is public records and of course standards and other surveyors.

As a business man the most important thing to me is the bottom line on my Profit and Loss statement at the end of the month.

These rules that I have to adhere to as noted earlier are awesome, however if I am to follow them exactly do I have to reach into my own pocket and foot the bill for an ROS or turn a 1% profit on a job or just cover labor?

Where do we draw the line? Do we just say to hell with it and say that we found everything, it checks well and no map is needed? Do we just eat the cost in the name of standards?

I really want to know what you all think about this. I want to hear from every sector. This topic will carry a lot of opinions so please share.

Also I just discovered that you can post as anonymous. Figuring out the whole blog thing has been fun:)