If you’re like most homeowners, you probably assume your fence, hedges, or driveway mark the true edge of your property. But when it comes to legal ownership, “assumed” property lines often don’t match what’s on record. This discrepancy can lead to costly disputes, halted renovations, or even legal trouble with neighbours. That’s where a residential land survey in Edmonton comes in—not as a formality, but as a necessity.
Why Assumed Boundaries Are Risky
It’s surprisingly common for homeowners to rely on landmarks like old fences, tree lines, or even previous owner comments to define their property limits. Unfortunately, these informal boundaries can be way off the mark. Over the years, properties change hands, fences are moved, landscaping is redone, and corners get blurred—literally and legally.
If you’re planning a renovation, building a fence, selling your home, or disputing a neighbour’s new construction, relying on assumptions could land you in serious trouble. A professionally conducted residential land survey in Edmonton can reveal the true legal lines, ensuring you operate within your rights.
What a Residential Land Survey Really Tells You
A residential land survey in Edmonton isn’t just about drawing lines on a map. It provides a detailed, legally recognized report showing:
- Exact property dimensions and boundaries
- Location of permanent structures like homes, garages, or decks
- Setbacks, easements, rights-of-way, and utility lines
- Any encroachments onto or from neighbouring properties
These details are critical when making decisions about land use, property sales, or resolving disputes. In some cases, homeowners discover that a part of their neighbour’s shed or fence actually sits on their lot—or vice versa.
Real Costs of Getting It Wrong
Let’s say you build a beautiful new fence, only to find out later that it extends a foot onto your neighbour’s lot. Not only might you be forced to tear it down, but you could also face legal action or lose a portion of your land’s perceived value.
Or imagine buying a property where the garage encroaches on a utility easement. Without a survey, you might not know until the utility company shows up with legal rights to dig or demand access—potentially destroying part of your structure.
These aren’t just “what-if” scenarios. They’re common issues that could have been avoided with a professional residential land survey in Edmonton before the work began.
When Should You Get a Survey?
If you’re buying or selling a home, it’s smart to get a fresh survey—especially if no recent records exist or if the previous survey is outdated. You should also consider one if:
- You’re building a new structure near a property line
- You suspect a neighbour is encroaching
- You want to install a fence, driveway, or retaining wall
- You’re refinancing and the lender requests it
Even if none of these apply right now, having an up-to-date survey on file gives you peace of mind—and leverage in case of future disputes.
Not All Surveys Are Equal
It’s important to ensure the survey you obtain is current and conducted by qualified professionals familiar with local regulations and land records. An outdated or informal sketch isn’t the same as a certified survey that can be used in court or submitted to municipal offices.
When choosing a provider for your residential land survey in Edmonton, make sure they have local expertise, access to accurate historical records, and a reputation for thoroughness. The right surveyor can clarify not just where your land begins and ends—but also protect you from expensive mistakes.
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