RLA Associates, PA: What a Land Surveying Firm Does and When You Need One
What RLA Associates, PA Does
RLA Associates, PA is a land surveying firm based in South Carolina that conducts boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and other measurements of land and property. The firm works with property owners, developers, real estate agents, and municipalities to establish where property lines sit, how land slopes and drains, and what features exist on a parcel. Their surveyors use equipment like GPS, total stations, and traditional surveying tools to create maps and reports that show the legal and physical reality of a piece of land.
The firm operates within South Carolina's regulatory framework for surveyors, meaning their work meets state standards for accuracy and documentation. When you hire a surveying firm, you are paying for the measurement itself and the official record of what was measured—not an opinion, but a technical account that can be used in real estate transactions, construction projects, boundary disputes, and legal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- RLA Associates, PA performs boundary surveys to establish property lines, topographic surveys to map land features and elevation, and other specialized measurements for real estate and construction projects.
- Survey reports from a licensed firm create an official record of property dimensions and features that can be used in sales, disputes, and construction planning.
- You typically need a survey when buying property, building on land, resolving a boundary question, or subdividing a parcel.
- The cost and timeline for a survey depend on the size of the property, terrain difficulty, and how much existing documentation is available.
When Property Owners and Developers Use RLA Associates
A boundary survey from RLA Associates becomes necessary at several points in property ownership. Buyers often order one before closing on a home or land purchase to confirm that the property they are purchasing matches the legal description and the seller's claims about size and location. Developers and contractors use surveys before breaking ground to ensure buildings, roads, and utilities will sit where permits allow and where the property actually ends.
Property owners also hire surveyors when a neighbor's fence, driveway, or structure appears to cross the property line, or when they want to subdivide land to sell part of it. In these cases, the survey provides a factual record that can settle the question without going to court—or, if court becomes necessary, gives the judge an accurate map to work from.
Municipalities and government agencies sometimes order surveys to support planning decisions, infrastructure projects, or to update public records. Banks and title companies may require a survey as a condition of a loan or title insurance policy, particularly for rural property or when the existing survey is very old.
Types of Surveys RLA Associates May Perform
A boundary survey (also called a property survey) marks the corners and edges of a parcel and shows how it relates to neighboring properties. This is the most common type and what most property owners think of when they hear "survey."
A topographic survey maps the elevation, slope, and natural and built features of land—trees, buildings, roads, water, rock outcrops. Developers and engineers use these to plan construction, drainage, and site layout. A topographic survey shows not just where things are, but how high or low they sit.
Other surveys include subdivision surveys (dividing one parcel into multiple legal lots), construction surveys (staking out where a building or road will go), easement surveys (mapping rights-of-way for utilities or access), and mortgage surveys (confirming property boundaries for a lender). The type you need depends on what you are doing with the land.
How to Contact RLA Associates and What to Bring
To request a survey from RLA Associates, PA, contact the firm directly by phone or through their office. When you call, be ready to describe the property (address or location), the size of the parcel if you know it, and what you need the survey for—this helps them estimate cost and timeline.
Before the surveyor arrives, gather any documents you have: the deed, a recent property tax record, any existing survey (even an old one), and the legal description of the property. If you know of boundary disputes or unusual features (a shared driveway, a fence that may not follow the line, a creek that moves), mention those. The more information you provide upfront, the more efficiently the surveyor can work.
The surveyor will visit the property, take measurements, locate existing markers or set new ones, and document what they find. After the fieldwork, they produce a formal survey map and report that you can use for your transaction, construction, or dispute resolution.
Cost and Timeline for a Survey
Survey costs vary based on property size, terrain, how much existing documentation is available, and the type of survey. A simple boundary survey of a small residential lot in town typically costs less than a topographic survey of a large rural parcel with steep terrain and dense vegetation. There is no fixed state price; each firm sets its own rates based on the work involved.
Timeline also depends on complexity. A straightforward survey of an accessible property may take one to two weeks from order to finished map. A large or difficult property, or one requiring research into old records, may take longer. Weather and property access can also affect scheduling—a surveyor cannot work in heavy rain or snow, and some properties are harder to reach in certain seasons.
When you contact RLA Associates, ask for an estimate of both cost and timeline for your specific property. This gives you a clear picture of what to expect and helps you plan around construction schedules, closing dates, or other deadlines.
Why Survey Records Matter in South Carolina
South Carolina's property records system relies on surveys and deeds to track ownership and boundaries. When a survey is recorded with the county register of deeds, it becomes part of the official public record and can be referenced by future owners, lenders, and government agencies. This creates a chain of documentation that protects everyone involved in a property transaction.
In South Carolina, surveyors must be licensed by the state and follow professional standards for accuracy and ethics. This means a survey from a licensed firm like RLA Associates carries legal weight—it is not just a measurement, but a professional statement about what the land shows. If a dispute arises later, the survey can be used as evidence in court.
Old or missing surveys can complicate property sales and create uncertainty about boundaries. If you own property and do not have a recent survey, ordering one can prevent problems down the road and make the property easier to sell or develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a survey take?
A simple boundary survey of a small residential property typically takes one to two weeks from the time you order it to when you receive the finished map. Larger properties, difficult terrain, or surveys that require extensive research into old records may take longer. Weather and property access can also affect the schedule.
Do I need a survey if I am just buying a house?
Not always. If the property is in a platted subdivision with clear lot markers and recent records, a survey may not be required. However, your lender or title company may require one, or you may want one for peace of mind. Rural properties, properties with boundary questions, or older homes often do need a survey before purchase.
What if the survey shows my neighbor's fence is on my land?
The survey creates a factual record of where the line actually is. From there, you can approach your neighbor to discuss moving the fence, or you can pursue legal remedies if they refuse. Many boundary disputes are resolved through negotiation once both parties see the official survey. If negotiation fails, the survey becomes evidence in a lawsuit.
Can I use an old survey instead of ordering a new one?
An old survey can be a useful starting point, but it may not reflect changes to the property or surrounding area. If the property has been subdivided, if structures have been added, or if the original survey is more than 20 or 30 years old, a new survey is usually worth the cost. Ask RLA Associates whether they can update an existing survey or whether a new one is necessary.
What is the difference between a boundary survey and a topographic survey?
A boundary survey shows where the property lines are and how the parcel relates to neighboring properties. A topographic survey shows the elevation, slope, and features of the land—trees, buildings, water, rock—and is used for planning construction and drainage. You may need one, the other, or both depending on what you are doing with the property.