Getting an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey isn’t just a box to check during a commercial property deal. It’s a critical step that can impact your timeline, budget, and legal protection.
But here’s the good news: with a little preparation, you can avoid delays, reduce back-and-forth with your surveyor, and ensure your survey is delivered on time.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know to prepare for an ALTA survey in Utah or anywhere else, whether you’re a buyer, developer, attorney, or title company.
Why Preparing for an ALTA Survey Matters
An ALTA/NSPS survey is more comprehensive than most other survey types. It doesn’t just measure property lines. It also documents:
- Title-related matters (like easements)
- Access points and roadways
- Existing improvements on the property
- Zoning and flood risk areas
- Custom items selected from Table A
Because of this complexity, surveyor preparation depends heavily on you—the client—to provide documents, answer questions, and coordinate timing.
Without the right prep, even the best survey team may run into delays or missing data.
New to ALTA surveys? Start with our What Is an ALTA/NSPS Survey and Who Needs One? to understand the basics.
1. Gather Your Title Commitment Documents
One of the most important documents you’ll need to provide is the title commitment from your title company or attorney. This document:
- Lists the legal description of the property
- Details existing easements and encumbrances
- Notes any exceptions that must be surveyed
The surveyor will use this information to compare recorded legal data against what’s physically on-site.
Pro Tip: Make sure to request the title commitment early in your transaction, even before ordering the survey.
2. Confirm the Property’s Legal Description
A legal description may seem straightforward, but older parcels in Utah often contain outdated or incomplete language. Before your surveyor heads to the site, confirm:
- Parcel ID or tax ID
- Legal description matches current ownership
- Whether it includes or excludes roadways, easements, or outparcels
Discrepancies between deeds and title commitments can stall survey work.
3. Know Which Table A Items You (or Your Lender) Need
Table A is a menu of optional survey items that clients can request based on lender requirements or project needs. These might include:
- Building setback lines
- Utility locations
- Parking counts
- Flood zone designations
- Zoning classifications
Not sure what Table A includes? Our Complete Guide to ALTA/NSPS Surveys in Utah breaks it down in detail.
Make sure your surveyor receives a completed list of Table A selections at the time of ordering, not midway through the project.
4. Provide Site Access Details and Contact Info
Your surveyor will need to access the property, sometimes multiple times. Be prepared to:
- Provide gate codes or on-site contacts
- Notify any tenants or property managers
- Clarify if access is restricted to certain hours or days
- Mention if the land is vacant, developed, or under construction
Communication delays are one of the top reasons ALTA surveys fall behind schedule.
5. Review the Survey Timeline with All Parties
In most cases, an ALTA/NSPS survey takes 2–3 weeks to complete, depending on:
- Property size
- Number of Table A items
- Surveyor workload
- Weather and access conditions
Let all stakeholders (lender, attorney, title officer, buyer/seller) know the estimated timeline upfront to avoid last-minute pressure.
6. Coordinate With Your Civil Engineer (If Applicable)
If your ALTA survey will be used for site planning or permitting, it’s smart to loop in your civil engineering team early. They may:
- Request specific Table A items (like topographic info)
- Use the survey as a base for site layout
- Need the survey file in CAD format
At Highland Surveying, our survey and engineering teams often collaborate to speed up transitions from land acquisition to development planning.
7. Ask for Digital and Certified Copies in Advance
Some lenders or municipalities require certified hard copies, while others are fine with digital submissions. To save time:
- Ask what your lender/title company prefers
- Let your surveyor know how many copies you’ll need
- Request a draft copy for early review if your deal is time-sensitive
Summary Checklist: What to Prepare
- Title commitment
- Legal description of the property
- Final list of Table A items
- On-site access instructions
- Names + contacts of key stakeholders
- Expected timeline and closing date
- Preferred file format (PDF, CAD, printed copies)
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an ALTA/NSPS survey doesn’t have to be complicated, but missing key documents or delaying decisions can easily throw off your timeline.
If you’re not sure where to start or what your lender needs, our team is happy to walk you through it. Call us at (385) 381-6582 or request a quote online to get your project moving.
Need a refresher on what makes ALTA surveys different from other types? Read our ALTA vs. Boundary Surveys: What’s the Difference?
