Do I need a land survey?
Maybe.  In many states, land surveys are compulsory with the purchase of real estate, it's often a good idea.  Real estate purchases are most often the largest single purchase people make, and a survey can be a validation of the asset. While the risk that something is "wrong" is relatively low, the consequences for issues are very  high, so often a survey can be seen as risk mitigation.  Land surveys provide a practical purpose as well, not only can we set your property corners (for fences, plantings, etc.), the survey can serve as a basis to:
  • Confirm or modify land area for tax assessment
  • Serve as a record of current conditions and minimize potential disputes.
  • Provide a basis for future designs or expansions.
  • Provide development and subdivision options.
What is a land survey?
We start with talking to you, and determining what your needs are and providing a cost proposal.  A typical property survey may unfold in the following example.
After acceptance we:
  • Perform preliminary site research (deeds, plans, etc.)
  • Go to the site, and locate structure, monuments, topography, etc. We locate survey monuments not only on your parcel, but others in the neighborhood. 
  • Perform land evidence research at town/city hall and state offices.  
  • Go back to the office and "put the puzzle pieces together" We determine how your deed corresponds to the area and neighboring lots.  If necessary, we go back to the site for additional research. 
  • Send you information, in the form of a plan or sketch.
  • Set property corners (if desired).
Why do I need to hire an engineer or surveyor?
An engineer or surveyor is often your project manager, we are your 'go to' technical consultants for the design, development and building process.  There are myriad of players, from contractors, plumbers, drain layers, framers, and other subcontractors.  Our job is to prepare the plans and documentation they need to be able to do their job, additionally a good design process allows for multiple bids to be obtained, to minimize costs, and also allows for problems or concerns to be identified and solved, before the first shovel goes into ground.  On site issues can cause delays, and cost over-runs. A good planning and design process minimizes these to allow trades to work smoothly.
How much does a survey cost?
Typically, for a residential property line survey, take Rhode Island for example. There are a few options within state standards. For a Comprehensive Metes and Bounds Property Line Survey (e.g. Class 1), which includes the survey, a formal plan, and staking of (4) major corners,  costs typically range from $1,650 to $2,250. The size, location, recent neighborhood surveys, history , etc. all come in to play for pricing, each proposal is reviewed and bid individually.
Contact us for a quote.
How much does a septic system design cost?
Septic system design costs can vary significantly, depending on area, soils, number of bedrooms, and design needs.  For a simple system "repair" (e.g. no new bedrooms or alteration, simply removing and replacing the existing system with a modern design), cost may be as low as $2,500.  
Each system requires:
  • Soil Evaluation
  • Topographical Survey
  • Design, state (or local, in MA) design review and approval
  • Construction Conformance and inspections.
Cost can increase in job complexity. Our goal remains, to provide you with the most cost efficient system design that works for you site needs, and conforms with regulatory standards.  NEI does not install septic systems, but we can provide you with a list of capable and cost effective installers in your area.
Contact us for a quote.
What is residential stormwater mitigation or management?
This is becoming a more standard issue item as both State and Local regulations are updated. Basically, the goal is to treat rainwater onto impervious surfaces such as roofs and driveways. Regulations vary from Town to Town (and State to State), but the trend is very clear. For new, and substantially improved sites, a stormwater mitigation design is needed.  There are many ways to do this, but our goals are to provide an efficient and practical solution, but homeowner input is important.   Design will vary from site to site, but common practices are
  • Rain Gardens
  • Drywells
  • Vegetated Swales
  • Infiltration Basins.
The goal is typically to mitigate the "first flush" which is about the first inch of rainfall. This helps to filter out pollutants which might otherwise make it to groundwater or surface waters.  Ultimately this leads to better water quality (Drinking water, finish, swimming and environmental conditions).  NEI can walk you through the various design options to determine which is right for you home or office.
How expensive is all of this?
We like to say, good design is cheap. Good design saves money.  Even a simple residence is complicated, building, engineering and environmental science have come a long way in the past 100 years.  Our goals, are often to provide technical consulting services that pay their weight; a good consultation can make the entire process move faster and more efficiently than one that is poorly planned. Nearly all projects start with a cost proposal, which provides a line item cost for services required. In some cases, where the design scope is indeterminate, hourly rate scopes will be provided.  Quotes or proposal are free and at no obligation, contact us any time!