What a Driveway As-Built Survey Really Is (and Why It Matters)
Most homeowners think the project ends when the last square of pavers is tapped into place or the final strip of asphalt is rolled smooth. In reality, the most valuable piece of paper you’ll receive is the driveway as-built survey—a scaled drawing that shows exactly what got built, not what was originally planned.
Think of it as the “you-are-here” map for your property. It records precise locations of edges, slopes, drainage structures, utilities, and any variations that popped up during construction. Municipalities often require it before they’ll close your permit, but even when it’s optional, the survey protects your investment and prevents headaches when you refinance, remodel, or resell.
Why Homeowners Need an As-Built Survey for Their Driveway
Protect Your Property Value
Buyers and appraisers love certainty. A certified as-built shows the driveway is on your land, meets setback rules, and won’t encroach on an easement. That peace of mind can speed up closing and even boost offers.
Avoid Costly Mistakes Later
Planning a fence, retaining wall, or sidewalk expansion? Knowing the exact edge of your driveway keeps you from pouring concrete on a neighbor’s lot or cutting through a hidden water line.
Speed Up Future Repairs or Extensions
When you call a contractor to widen the apron or add a turnaround, they’ll quote faster and more accurately if they have a scaled drawing instead of guessing grades and square footage.
What’s Included in a Driveway As-Built Survey
Every surveyor has a slightly different template, but the core elements stay the same. Expect these on the final plan:
- Exact perimeter of the paved area (to 0.1 ft)
- Edge elevations and center-line slopes for drainage
- Location of drains, culverts, and headwalls
- Utility crossings (water, gas, electric, cable)
- Setback dimensions to buildings, property lines, and easements
- Surface material notation (asphalt, concrete, paver, gravel)
- North arrow, scale, surveyor’s seal, and certification date
A good surveyor will also flag any field changes—like an extra foot of width you added to accommodate a second car—so the plan matches reality down to the inch.
When to Order the Survey
New Construction or Full Replacement
Schedule the survey after the final roll or last paver is compacted but before heavy landscaping equipment can disturb stakes or markers. Most contractors coordinate this for you, but put it in your written agreement so it’s not forgotten.
Post-Repair Documentation
Even a simple widening or drain repair can shift critical elevations. If you spent more than a few thousand dollars, updating the as-built keeps your records current.
Before Selling or Refinancing
Title companies and lenders sometimes ask for proof that improvements are on-record and compliant. Having an updated survey prevents last-minute surprises at closing.
DIY vs. Professional Survey: Can You Measure It Yourself?
You can certainly run a tape measure and jot numbers on graph paper, but it won’t carry legal weight. Only a licensed land surveyor can place a certification seal that cities, lenders, and courts accept. The professional also carries insurance if a boundary line is later disputed.
That said, you can prepare and save money:
- Mark all visible corners with spray paint or flags.
- Clear leaves and debris so survey points are accessible.
- Have your original site plan and permit packet ready.
These steps cut field time and keep your quote on the lower end of the fee range.
Typical Cost and Turnaround
Prices vary by region and driveway size, but national averages in 2024 look like this:
- Single-car straight driveway (12 × 40 ft): $350–$550
- Two-car with curved apron (20 × 60 ft): $550–$800
- Large circular drive with island: $800–$1,200
Most firms deliver a PDF and two printed copies within 3–5 business days. Expedited 24-hour service usually adds 30–40%. If your lot is on a steep slope or dense tree cover, expect a modest upcharge for extra field time.
How to Read Your Driveway As-Built Survey
Surveyor plans look intimidating, but they’re just a bird’s-eye view with numbers. Focus on these quick checkpoints:
Scale & North Arrow
Most residential surveys use 1" = 10' or 1" = 20'. Check the scale so you’re not misjudging distances with a ruler.
Spot Elevations
Little + marks show exact height above sea level. Subtract any two points along the drive to confirm the slope is at least 1% (1/8" per foot) for proper drainage.
Property Lines & Setbacks
Dashed lines mark your boundaries. The dimension written between the pavement edge and the property line should meet local code—often 3–5 ft. If it’s tighter, verify the surveyor noted an existing encroachment waiver.
Utility Symbols
Water lines appear as dashed blue, gas as solid yellow, electric as dotted red. Make sure none run directly beneath planned future posts or pillars.
Permits, Regulations, and the Driveway As-Built Survey
Almost every city requires a permit for new driveway access because it touches the public right-of-way. The as-built is the closing document that proves you built what you promised. Without it:
- Your permit stays open, risking fines.
- You can’t get a final occupancy certificate on new homes.
- The municipality may refuse snow-plow or resurfacing services.
Some counties scan as-builts into a public GIS. Future buyers or utility crews can pull up the plan before they dig—another layer of protection for you.
Finding the Right Surveyor
Check Licensing
Every state has an online license lookup. Confirm the surveyor is current and carries professional liability insurance.
Ask for Driveway Experience
Boundary experts aren’t always driveway experts. You want someone who understands pavement thickness callouts, culvert sizing, and local driveway slope ordinances.
Request a Sample Drawing
A reputable firm will email you a redacted sample so you can see how clean and detailed their plans are before you commit.
Bundle to Save
If you’re also installing a fence or pool, bundle the surveys. One site visit can produce multiple plan sheets at a discount.
Storing and Using Your Survey Long-Term
Keep both digital and hard copies. Scan the plan at 300 dpi and save to cloud storage with a file name like “123_Main_St_Driveway_AsBuilt_2024.pdf.” Store the paper original in your house file with the deed, not in the garage where heat and humidity can fade ink.
When you refinance, upload the PDF to the lender’s portal. When you sell, send it to the listing agent so they can include it in the disclosure package. Buyers appreciate transparency, and you’ll avoid frantic last-minute phone calls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driveway As-Built Surveys
Generally, no. If the footprint, elevation, and drainage paths don’t change, most municipalities skip the survey. However, if the project alters the apron width or connects to a public storm drain, they may still ask for an updated plan.
The construction plan shows the designer’s intent; the as-built shows what actually happened. Field crews often shift a drain a foot or widen a parking pad to miss a tree. The as-built captures those changes so future work is based on real-world conditions.
Only if the contractor is also a licensed land surveyor. Many pavers will sketch a “record drawing,” but it won’t carry a survey seal and won’t be accepted for permit closure or legal disputes. Always verify the license number on the final sheet.
Stay calm. Most neighbors and cities will work with you on a simple encroachment agreement or easement. Fixing it early—before you sell—gives you leverage and avoids legal fees that can run 5–10 times the cost of the original survey.