Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Land Surveying Services in San Francisco Bay Area
Founded in 1927, Kister, Savio & Rei has established itself as a trusted leader in land surveying across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our team of licensed professionals brings decades of combined experience to public and private sector projects, delivering precise measurements and technical expertise for industrial, residential, and commercial developments. We specialize in boundary surveys, construction staking, laser scanning, and GPS surveys, serving clients ranging from Chevron Richmond Refinery to local municipalities. Our commitment to quality is underscored by industry certifications, including TWIC Cards and affiliations with the Operating Engineers Union Local #3.With a legacy of repeat clients spanning generations, we prioritize clear communication, on-time delivery, and meticulous attention to detail. Our deep local knowledge ensures projects meet regulatory standards while addressing unique site challenges. As signatories to the American Council of Engineering Companies, we uphold rigorous professional ethics. Though closing in 2025, our 98-year history reflects unwavering dedication to client success through technical excellence and community engagement.
Services
Land Surveying
Boundary Surveys
Construction Staking
Laser Scanning
Topographic Surveys
GPS Surveys
ALTA Surveys
Industrial Plant Surveying
Subdivision Maps
FEMA Elevation Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- We have 98 years of experience in Bay Area land surveying.
- Our team holds TWIC Cards and industry-specific certifications.
- We serve major clients like Chevron Richmond Refinery and UC Berkeley.
- Our surveyors are members of Operating Engineers Union Local #3.
- We combine legacy expertise with cutting-edge laser scanning technology.
Associations and certifications
- ACEC
- CLSA
- California & Nevada Civil Engineers & Land Surveyors Association
- ISNetworld
Services
Land Surveying
Our land surveying services provide precise measurements for property boundaries, construction projects, and legal documentation. Using GPS and laser scanning technology, we ensure accuracy for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. With expertise in ALTA and topographic surveys, we meet regulatory requirements while minimizing project delays.
Construction Staking
We deliver construction staking to guide infrastructure development with exact positioning for buildings, roads, and utilities. Our team collaborates with engineers and contractors to maintain alignment with design plans. This service ensures compliance with municipal codes and prevents costly rework during project execution.
Laser Scanning
Laser scanning creates detailed 3D models of existing structures and terrain for engineering and architectural projects. This technology captures precise data points to support renovation planning and industrial facility assessments. We use it for complex sites like refineries and public infrastructure.
Boundary Surveys
Boundary surveys establish legal property lines for real estate transactions, fence installations, or land development. We research historical records and conduct field measurements to resolve disputes and prevent encroachments. This service complies with California's surveying standards for title insurance purposes.
Industrial Plant Surveying
We specialize in surveying for oil refineries, chemical plants, and industrial facilities. Our team conducts as-built documentation, tank calibration, and pipeline alignment surveys under strict safety protocols. Clients like Chevron rely on our expertise for maintenance and expansion projects in high-risk environments.
People
Patrick M. Rei
Owner
Patrick Rei leads the firm with 40+ years of experience since joining in 1983. A licensed surveyor, he serves on regional apprenticeship boards and acts as city surveyor for multiple municipalities.
Michael P. Rei
Founder
Michael Rei co-founded the civil engineering division in 1963. As a registered engineer, he expanded services across Northern California before passing leadership to his son Pat in 2000.
Donald E. Kister
Founder
Donald Kister established the surveying practice in 1927. He became California's first state board member for civil engineers and land surveyors, setting standards that shaped the profession.
Charles J. Savio
Co-Founder
Charles Savio partnered with Kister in 1955. As a licensed surveyor, he pioneered apprenticeship programs through Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Committee, influencing industry training nationwide.
Questions
What services does Kister Savio & Rei offer?
We provide land surveying, boundary surveys, construction staking, laser scanning, GPS mapping, ALTA surveys, and industrial plant/refinery surveys.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Richmond, Berkeley, Pinole, and El Cerrito.
Are your surveyors certified?
Yes, all surveyors hold TWIC Cards, DISA drug testing certifications, and are members of Operating Engineers Local #3.
What industries do you work with?
We serve oil refineries, public agencies, schools, developers, and residential clients across Northern California.
When will your business close?
Our final day of operation is November 1, 2025, after 98 years of service.
Can you handle large-scale projects?
Yes, we've completed surveys for Chevron hydrogen renewal projects and university developments since 1927.
Reviews (6)
Whistle B.
Dec 18, 2021
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This is high quality company. If they can't help you, they will help you in other ways such as referrals. They helped me twice in the other ways. I thankful with many kind hearted staffs and their generosity with their time in helping people. Thank you very much. GOD bless all of you and family.
Chloe A.
Jun 18, 2021
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I can't say enough kind words about this place. The owner, Pat, is both thorough and very kind. They helped me out of a tough spot and pushed me ahead of other, better paying clients just because they knew I was in a difficult situation. Wonderful firm.
Frank Kotlier
Jan 11, 2021
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Kister Savio & Rei did a great job surveying our lot and Trisha (in the office) was a pleasure to work with. The pricing was fair and the onsite survey team that came to our house was very knowledgeable, friendly and happy to answer our questions and explain things. We were surprised to discover that one corner of our property boundary turned out to be on the other side of a neighbor's fence. The surveyor explained this to us and gave us options as to where we would like that survey marker placed.
We opted to have that marker offset from the actual corner of our property so that the marker would be on our side of the fence. We're happy we choose Kister Savio & Rei to do our surveying and appreciate getting the map that shows all the details of our property.
We opted to have that marker offset from the actual corner of our property so that the marker would be on our side of the fence. We're happy we choose Kister Savio & Rei to do our surveying and appreciate getting the map that shows all the details of our property.
T. J.
Aug 07, 2020
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This company has been in my neighborhood for years. So when it came time to get a survey done of my property it was pretty much a no brainer to go here (I did however call around and get another 2 estimates). I had a topographical and property line survey done. Two employees from KSR cane out and spent at least 3.5 hours doing my survey. They also explained about a few of the markers left on the property. I received a digital copy of my survey at completion. But being old school asked for a paper copy and was handed two. Thank Tricia for all your help.
Carlos Augusto Z.
Apr 24, 2020
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Great company, very efficient and personal, I know Matt for quite a few years now. Matt is quite knowledgeable and will go the extra mile.
Dennis Wright
Feb 19, 2020
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I was having and issue over the property line with my neighbor that lives behind me so I needed a survey. I Called 3 different survey companies to get quotes and Kister Savio &Rei was the best price by far compared to the other companies. They came out a week later after signing the contract, Trish the office manager said she will get me in even though they where booked up solid on other jobs cause she understood the stress I was dealing with over the property line dispute.
The crew showed up right on time in the morning answered all my questions that I had and were very professional. As it turns out I had a lot more property behind my house then the neighbor thought so I highly recommend hire this company to get your property survey.
The crew showed up right on time in the morning answered all my questions that I had and were very professional. As it turns out I had a lot more property behind my house then the neighbor thought so I highly recommend hire this company to get your property survey.
