What is the significance of the red and white wooden stake?

The stake says “look here.” It marks the location of an iron bar, which marks a boundary.

To Survey or Not to Survey?

That is the question faced by home buyers. Before answering this question, it is important to understand what a survey is. A survey is a picture of what you own (or are considering purchasing). Typically, it will answer questions you might have about the property, such as:

• How large is the the property?
• Is the neighbour's fence really on your land?
• Does the backyard go back as far as you think it does?
• Who has a right to come on to your property?

While most of these questions are satisfactorily answered both on the previous deed and by the title search, only an up-to-date plan of survey can truly answer these questions. This type of survey is called a Surveyor's Real Property Report (SRPR).

What Does A Survey Show Me?

A survey will typically provide the following information:

Size
Your deed may not give an accurate description of your property, particularly if the property has never been surveyed.

Features
A survey will show you where certain features, such as fences, hedges or other improvements, are located in relation to your property boundaries.

Zoning Compliance
An up-to-date survey will show the location of the buildings, including additions. This information is necessary to ensure that all setback requirements and other zoning and site plan regulations have been met.

Encroachments
Before buying, you will want to know if any features on the neighbour(s)’s properties or on the property you are buying exceed their respective boundaries.

 

Is There An Alternative To A Surveyor's Real Property Report?

If you are not mortgaging your property you may not want a full Surveyor's Real Property Report. A boundary survey will tell you all of the information provided with a SRPR, without the additional cost of having a plan prepared. This less expensive alternative is useful when you want to:

• build a fence or make other improvements to your property
• avoid disputes with a neighbour
• see where your boundaries are

For more information on what type of survey might be right for you, contact Meldrum Surveying. 

I just saw a surveyor in my front yard, digging. I didn't order a survey. Why is he here? Is he allowed to be?

Seeing a stranger on your property is always disconcerting. The first thing you want to do is make sure the person you're
seeing is actually a surveyor. All reputable survey companies make an effort to contact homeowners before entering onto their properties. While the usual practice is to knock on your door before arriving on your front lawn, survey crews are concerned about waking shift workers, and are sensitive to the concerns of women who are home alone. More and more surveyors are choosing to notify homeowners of their presence by placing a flyer on the doorknob or in the mailbox. To make sure the person you are seeing is actually a surveyor, look for a notice in your mailbox or on your doorknob and look for a company name on their vehicle or clothing.

Are there different types of plans?

Survey plans all have the same function: to accurately illustrate the condition of the property’s boundaries. Different plans are subject to different government statutes. All survey plans must be performed according to the Surveyor's Act and the Surveys Act.