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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT SURVEYING

McMillen Engineering, Inc. is located in Uniontown, PA and provides commercial and residential land surveying throughout Pennsylvania. Learn more on our Land Surveying page at https://www.mcmilleng.com/land-surveying.  

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If you don’t find the information you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to assist you. 

I am building a new home; do I have to address stormwater? 

 

Stormwater needs to be addressed for all types of developments, however, often the required system can be quite simple and still meet the stormwater requirements.  If you call McMillen Engineering, Inc. we can assist you on the stormwater management system that best meets your needs. 

 

How much will my survey cost? 

Each property survey is different, affected by the unique nature of your property.  Is the land wooded or open?  How large is the property?  How many corners will need to be marked?  Is your need for a simple lot survey, or is the more extensive ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey survey more appropriate to your goals?  Once we understand the scope and purpose of your survey, we will provide guidance regarding the most appropriate land survey type and provide a firm price quote. 

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How long will my property survey take? 

Small residential surveys are usually completed within 1 to 2 weeks.  Larger, commercial surveys may take from 30 to 60 days, depending on the needs of the survey.  We are willing to consider expediting land surveys needed on a priority or "emergency" basis. 

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How definitive are your surveys? 

At McMillen Engineering, Inc., we consider our land surveys very authoritative.  Owner and President Terry McMillen, Jr. is experienced in Boundary Law and has successfully defended our survey results in a courtroom setting. 

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Are there different types of land surveys? 

There are many different types of land surveys, from simple residential lot surveys to large acreage woodland surveys.  The Cadillac of surveys is referred to as the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey, which considers many detailed factors, including utility access to the property. Knowing the purpose for which a land survey is undertaken helps us determine the appropriate extent and cost of your survey.   

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How do you perform a property survey? 

McMillen Engineering, Inc. prides itself on exceedingly thorough surveys.  Depending on survey needs, our efforts include, but are not necessarily limited to: 

  • Finding existing neighborhood and surrounding area marker points. 

  • Researching courthouse records and other existing boundary records. 

  • Utilizing the latest GPS system (Global Positioning) results. 

  • Accessing US Geological Survey topographical maps and orthometric aerial photographs. 

  • Computer research using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and C&G software. 

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Are GPS system surveys accurate? 

There has never been a more accurate way to perform a land survey than GPS (Global Positioning System).  Measurements with GPS are accurate to within 1/16th of an inch. 

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Are you licensed? 

Yes.  It is illegal to perform survey work in Pennsylvania without a license. 

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Can you survey in winter? 

Yes.  The ideal time to conduct a land survey is when the leaves are down, as this improves visibility and allows our surveying equipment—including GPS systems—to operate more effectively. However, significant snowfall and extreme cold, particularly below-zero wind chills, can hinder our ability to achieve the high level of accuracy we require. 

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Is courthouse research always necessary? 

You may wonder, “I have my deed—why is courthouse research necessary?” The answer lies in the nature of land surveying, which is much like assembling a puzzle. Your property represents just one piece, and the surrounding parcels complete the picture. To ensure your piece fits accurately within the broader context of the neighborhood, we must examine adjacent properties and historical records. This is especially important for larger tracts of land or properties not included in a recorded lot plan, where resolving discrepancies often requires in-depth research into previous deeds and property records. 

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Where do you find the starting point? 

A common misconception in land surveying is the belief that there are universal starting points used by all surveyors to conduct accurate surveys. In reality, most land surveys do not begin from a single known reference point. Instead, during the surveying process, we identify and locate various physical markers throughout the area—such as iron pins, monuments, wooden stakes, and concrete markers. These markers are then analyzed using specialized software and cross-referenced with neighborhood deeds to develop a solution that aligns as accurately as possible with the greatest number of reliable reference points. 

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Are you insured? 

Yes, however, your strongest assurance lies in the thoroughness of our work and our commitment to integrity. We take every precaution to minimize the possibility of errors and deliver land survey results that meet the highest professional standards—results we are fully prepared to stand by, including in a court of law, if necessary. 

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Do I have to be there? 

In 99% of cases, property surveys are completed with customer communication handled entirely by phone, and your presence on-site is not required during the survey. Backed by a reputation for exceptional customer service, we strive to make the surveying process as seamless and stress-free as possible. From providing a clear, firm quote to delivering your final report, McMillen Engineering, Inc. Is committed to treating every client with the professionalism, respect, and attention they deserve. 

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40 Years of Experience 

Choose a land surveyor with more than 40 years of experience, a strong foundation in records research, and a proven reputation for effectively utilizing the latest technologies. 

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Contact McMillen Engineering, Inc. today for a firm, fair quote tailored to your land surveying needs. 

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VIDEOS ABOUT McMILLEN ENGINEERING

We are also committed to serving society by creating innovative and sustainable solutions that improve infrastructure, promote safety, and foster development. Our work in areas like sewage management, structural design, and land surveying aims to enhance community well-being, reflecting values of reliability and integrity. 

 

Learn more about who we are and how we work from the videos below.

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