What Drew Case Engineer & Land Surveyor Does and When You Need Them
Drew Case provides professional surveying and engineering services across South Carolina
Drew Case Engineer & Land Surveyor is a licensed surveying and engineering firm operating in South Carolina. The company handles boundary surveys, topographic mapping, construction staking, and related engineering work for property owners, developers, contractors, and municipalities. If you own land, are planning construction, or need to verify property lines, this is the type of firm you contact to get professional documentation of what's actually on the ground.
The firm operates as a traditional professional services business—you hire them for a specific project, they complete the work, and you receive a formal survey or engineering report. This is different from a government agency or a free resource; you pay for their expertise and the legal documents they produce.
Key Takeaways
- Drew Case is a licensed surveying and engineering firm, meaning their work meets South Carolina's professional standards and their surveyors hold state licenses.
- Common reasons to hire a surveyor include establishing property boundaries before building, resolving disputes with neighbors, and providing documentation for real estate transactions.
- Survey costs vary based on property size, complexity, and the type of survey needed—boundary surveys typically cost less than topographic or construction surveys.
- You'll need to contact the firm directly with details about your property and project to receive a quote and timeline.
Types of surveying work a firm like Drew Case performs
Boundary surveys are the most common service. A surveyor locates and marks the exact lines that separate your property from neighboring land. This involves researching historical deeds, using GPS and traditional surveying equipment, and placing markers (often metal stakes or pins) at corners and along the boundary. You need this before building a fence, adding a structure, or resolving a line dispute with a neighbor.
Topographic surveys map the terrain of your land—showing elevation changes, existing structures, trees, water features, and utilities. Developers and contractors use these to plan construction, drainage, and site layout. The surveyor creates a detailed map that shows not just where things are, but how high or low they sit.
Construction staking places markers on the ground to guide contractors during building. The surveyor sets stakes and grades that show where foundations, roads, utilities, and other elements should go. This keeps construction aligned with the design and prevents costly mistakes.
Engineering services often accompany surveying work—analyzing site conditions, calculating slopes and drainage, and preparing technical drawings that contractors and building officials need.
When you need to hire a surveyor
You typically hire a surveyor before you build. If you're planning a new house, garage, deck, or any permanent structure, a boundary survey confirms you're building on your own land and shows you where setback requirements (the distance you must stay from property lines) apply. South Carolina counties have different setback rules, and a surveyor knows your local requirements.
Real estate transactions often require a survey. If you're buying land or a house without recent survey documentation, a lender may require one before approving a mortgage. A current survey protects both buyer and seller by confirming what land is actually included in the sale.
Boundary disputes with neighbors are another common reason. If you and a neighbor disagree about where the property line runs, a professional survey provides legal documentation. This can prevent costly litigation and is often required by courts if a dispute reaches that point.
Subdividing land, applying for permits, or planning major site work like drainage systems or utility installation all typically require surveying work. If a government agency or contractor asks for a survey, that's your signal to contact a firm.
How to contact Drew Case and what to expect
To get your free guide, you'll need to reach out to the firm directly with basic information about your property and project. Have your address, a description of what you need (boundary survey, topographic map, construction staking, etc.), and any relevant documents on hand—like a deed, property tax record, or sketch of what you're planning.
The firm will discuss your needs, visit or review the property, and provide a quote and timeline. Survey costs depend on property size, how complex the boundaries are, whether utilities need to be located, and how quickly you need the work done. A simple boundary survey on a small, straightforward lot costs less than a topographic survey of a large parcel with difficult terrain.
Once you hire them, the surveyor will conduct fieldwork, research historical records, process data, and prepare formal documents—typically a survey plat (map) and a written report. Turnaround time varies but often takes two to four weeks depending on the project and current workload.
Understanding survey documents and how to use them
A survey plat is the official map produced by a licensed surveyor. It shows property boundaries, dimensions, existing structures, easements (rights others have to use part of your land), and often utilities and topographic features. This document is signed and sealed by the surveyor, meaning it carries legal weight. You'll use it for permits, real estate transactions, and as proof of your property lines.
The surveyor's report includes technical details—the methods used, measurements taken, any discrepancies found, and notes about the property. This supports the plat and provides context for anyone reading it (contractors, lenders, government agencies, lawyers).
Keep your survey documents safe. You may need them years later for additions, disputes, or when you sell. Many people file them with their deed at the county register of deeds office, which creates a public record and protects against loss.
Licensed surveyors and South Carolina standards
South Carolina requires land surveyors to be licensed by the state. A licensed surveyor has passed exams, met education requirements, and follows professional standards set by the South Carolina Board of Professional Surveyors. This means their work is held to a legal standard and can be relied upon in court if needed.
When you hire a firm like Drew Case, you're paying for that professional credential and the liability insurance that comes with it. If a survey is done incorrectly and causes you financial loss, a licensed surveyor's insurance may cover damages. An unlicensed person doing survey work has no such protection and their work won't be accepted for permits or legal purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a survey cost?
Cost varies widely based on property size, complexity, and the type of survey. A simple boundary survey on a small residential lot might run several hundred dollars, while a topographic survey of a large or difficult property can cost significantly more. Contact the firm with details about your property to receive a specific quote.
How long does a survey take?
Fieldwork typically takes a day or two, but the full process—including research, data processing, and document preparation—usually takes two to four weeks. Rush service may be available at higher cost. Ask the firm for a timeline when you request a quote.
Do I need a survey before building a deck or fence?
Many South Carolina counties require a survey or at least a boundary verification before issuing a permit for structures near property lines. Check with your county building department first, but having a survey protects you by confirming you're not building on a neighbor's land.
Can I use an old survey instead of getting a new one?
Older surveys may be acceptable for some purposes, but if the property has changed, if you're applying for a permit, or if you're in a real estate transaction, lenders and officials often want a current survey. Ask the firm whether your existing survey meets current needs.
What if the survey shows my fence is on my neighbor's land?
This happens occasionally. You have options: move the fence, negotiate a boundary line agreement with your neighbor, or in some cases pursue a legal remedy. A surveyor can document the situation, but resolving it may require a lawyer or negotiation with your neighbor.