Celebrating a Long Time Advertiser: dlb & Associates

Everyone knows the saying “necessity is the mother of invention.” Dan Berg had been laid off on a Friday, and by the following Monday, he had created his own land surveying business. That was in August, 2010. Since then, Dan has surveyed nearly 2000 properties in Hawai‘i. Some of those properties are now under lava; however, the need for Dan’s surveying services is still in great demand.

Dan says, “No one chooses to hire a land surveyor. Usually a survey is required for a development process and permit, due diligence for a property purchase, a construction layout, or a survey is required by a bank or title company. For those who need a survey, we will do the best to meet the needs for your particular project. My first question when we make contact is, ʻWhy do you need a survey?’”

From old to young, malihini to kama‘āina, dlb and Associates does many due diligence surveys for new buyers and compliance mapping, such as subdivision maps and certified shorelines. They are doing less construction staking than the old days, thanks to new location technologies. He was awarded his Hawai‘i State surveyor’s license in 2004 and prior to that was awarded the California Land Surveyor’s license in 1990.

Dan reminisces, “Some of my first party chiefs were old-school, slide-rule types. They impressed upon me that knowing which buttons to press was insufficient, because boundary surveying is much more than numbers. Also, Hawai‘i has its own unique challenges, with its land conveyance history, such as the Māhele, whereby the concept of private ownership was foisted on Hawaiians. Retracing Māhele-era deeds is a challenging but welcome task. The history is fascinating.”

In regards to starting dlb and Associates, LLC, Dan reflects, “When I started my own survey business, we were at the bottom of the Great Recession. Not the best time, but I was compelled and felt confident.” Dan knew there was opportunity for his level of service, so he went out and networked with people in the real estate businesses via groups such as Business Networking International. It paid off and Danʻs business grew fast. He now has a crew of five people working for him.

Dan appreciates his reliable employees, who, he laughs, “love the combination of hard sweaty work and tinkering with expensive and fascinating measuring tools and software. Our staff always tries to be communicative with clients and anticipate their needs. (Mahalos to Shayne, Rich, Logan, Jeff, Patrick, Daniel, Erin.)”

One issue that affects all the surveying community worldwide are the new location technologies. Dan says, “I’ve been told, ‘No one needs a land surveyor as long as they have a smartphone.ʻ If the property owner finds a boundary monument (pin) is it valid? Or was it there to tie the dog? Does it fit his deed? Does it fit his neighbor’s deed? A surveyor not only surveys the property they are hired for, they also are determining boundaries for the entire neighborhood to a certain extent. It takes a neutral third party to come to a boundary conclusion.” Licensed surveyors must pass a state exam, and are licensed by the Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors. A license means one has the minimum qualifications to practice. Dan concludes by saying, “Yes, houses have been built on the wrong lot.” Don’t cut corners, call Dan!

dlb and Associates, LLC
808.966.4206
dlbandassoc.com