What to Expect from a Surveyor When Rebuilding in Altadena

When you are preparing to rebuild in Altadena, one of the first professionals you will need is a licensed land surveyor. Their work sets the stage for everything that follows: design, permitting, and construction. Without a proper survey, even the best design can stall in permitting or run into costly disputes.

At Enhaus, we do not leave this step to chance. We have guided dozens of Altadena homeowners through rebuilds, and we connect every client with vetted surveyors we have already worked with across multiple projects. This ensures accuracy, speed, and peace of mind from the start.

Why Surveys Matter in Altadena

Altadena is unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles. Hillside lots, older parcels with unclear records, and fire-prone zones all demand surveys that go beyond the basics. A professional survey ensures:

• Your property lines are correct. Prevents neighbor disputes or construction setbacks.

• Your design team works with confidence. Architects and engineers need reliable topography and boundaries to design properly.

• Your rebuild stays compliant. Los Angeles County requires surveys to be properly filed to become legally binding.

  
  

With Enhaus, you will know you are working with surveyors who not only meet state licensing standards but also understand Altadena’s terrain and county processes inside and out.

What to Expect from a Licensed Surveyor

1. Licensure & Professional Standards

   Your surveyor must be a California Professional Land Surveyor licensed by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Some civil engineers may also qualify, but only if state-authorized. Always verify credentials.

   
   

2. Boundary Establishment & Monumentation

   Surveyors locate and mark your property’s boundary corners with durable monuments. These guide both design and construction crews and become part of the official record.

   
   

3. County Filing Requirements

   Surveys must be filed with Los Angeles County. Depending on your parcel, your surveyor will file either:

   • a Record of Survey for discrepancies or complex boundaries, or

   • a Corner Record for simpler confirmations. By law, filings are due within 90 days, and county staff typically review within 20 working days.

     
     

4. Topographic Survey

   For hillside or sloped lots common in Altadena, a topographic survey is essential. It maps slope, drainage, and site features that directly influence design and safety.

   
   

5. Setback Verification

   If you are building within 5 feet of a property boundary, the county may require a Property Line Survey before foundation inspection.

   
   

💡 Enhaus Advantage: 

Many surveyors can handle the technical work. What sets ours apart is local knowledge. Our vetted list includes professionals who file efficiently with the county, respond quickly to project needs, and have proven reliable across multiple Enhaus projects.

Survey vs. Site Plan: What is the Difference?

One of the biggest points of confusion is the difference between a survey and a site plan.

• Survey (by a Licensed Surveyor): 

  Establishes what you own including property boundaries, corners, and often topography. Must be filed with the county.

• Site Plan (by your Architect): 

  Shows what you plan to build including home placement, driveway, grading, and landscaping. Submitted to the county as part of your permit package.

  
  

👉 Simple rule of thumb: The survey shows what you have. The site plan shows what you want to build.

Do All Properties Need a Survey?

Not always. Here is how to know:

• Flat lots: 

  Some homeowners wait until their floor plan is ready. That way, the surveyor can capture both the property lines and the proposed home placement in one trip, saving time and money.

• Sloped or hillside lots: 

  Almost always require a topographic survey at the start. Elevation changes affect everything from drainage to fire safety compliance.

  
  

💡 Pro Tip: You can confirm with LA County Planning whether a topo survey will be required before you commission one.

How Much Do Surveys and Site Plans Cost in Altadena?

Costs vary based on lot size and complexity, but here are typical ranges:

• Boundary survey: $3,000 – $6,000

• Topographic survey: $4,500 – $7,500 (often bundled with boundary)

• Site plan (by architect): $2,500 – $5,000, or included in architectural design fees

Hillside parcels and larger properties usually fall on the higher end.

Who Should You Hire First: Architect or Surveyor?

Homeowners often ask whether to call the architect or the surveyor first. The answer depends on your lot:

• Architect first (flat, straightforward lots): If your lot is level and clearly marked, an architect can begin exploring design concepts right away. Once you have chosen a layout, a surveyor can come in to confirm corners and place the home in one efficient trip.

  
  

• Surveyor first (sloped, irregular lots): If your property is hilly, oddly shaped, or has unclear boundaries (common in Altadena hillsides like Loma Alta), it is best to start with a survey. Without accurate topography, designs often have to be redrawn later.

• Best practice: Many rebuilds benefit from engaging both early. The surveyor sets the playing field, the architect draws the game plan, and the builder executes it.

  
  

💡 Enhaus Advantage: We coordinate both. By pairing you with surveyors we trust and integrating their work with our design team, we help you avoid duplicate visits, redesigns, and wasted costs.

Quick Homeowner Checklist

Step	What to Confirm	Why It Matters in Altadena
✅ Licensed Surveyor	Verify California license	Ensures legality and accuracy
✅ Boundary Corners Marked	Monuments placed	Guides design and construction
✅ County Filing	Record of Survey or Corner Record	Makes survey legally binding
✅ Topographic Data	Required for hillside and fire lots	Essential for safe design
✅ Site Plan Prepared	By architect using survey	Required for permits
✅ Local Knowledge	Surveyor familiar with LA County	Saves time and avoids red tape

Why This Matters for Altadena Homeowners

In Altadena, survey vs. site plan confusion is common and costly. Starting with the right professionals, in the right order, can save months of time and thousands of dollars.

At Enhaus, we do more than design and build. We also supply homeowners with a vetted list of trusted surveyors and coordinate directly with them. That means your rebuild avoids missteps and starts on solid ground.

Final Takeaway

The survey shows what you have. The site plan shows what you want to build. Both are essential. When sequenced correctly and coordinated by a trusted design-build team, they set your rebuild on the strongest possible foundation.

👉 Schedule a call with our team to get connected with vetted surveyors and begin your rebuild journey with confidence.