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Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our comprehensive FAQs to find answers to your most common questions.
FAQs for Homeowners
About the Services
- 01If you're a homeowner planning a renovation, building a fence, or dealing with a property dispute, you may be asked to provide a Plan of Survey or Surveyor’s Real Property Report (SRPR). These are legal documents that clearly define your property boundaries and any physical features or encroachments on the land.
- 02The following are the most common reasons homeowners hire a surveying company: • You’re selling or buying a home and need a current SRPR • You’re building a fence, shed, or addition and need to confirm property lines • You’ve received a municipal request for a plan of survey • You’re involved in a boundary dispute or encroachment issue • You’re applying for a permit for construction or renovation A survey is essential for accurately determining property boundaries, avoiding disputes with neighbors, and ensuring compliance with zoning and construction regulations. By providing precise information on property dimensions, features, and potential encroachments, it helps property owners make informed decisions related to construction projects, land transactions, and land management.
- 03The type of land survey you need depends on your project goals and site requirements. A boundary survey identifies the corners and limits of a property, helping to resolve disputes, confirm ownership, and define exact property lines. A Property Posting establishes the corners and limits of a property, helping to resolve disputes, confirm ownership, and define exact property lines on site. A plan of survey shows the property's boundaries, measurements, and the position of any buildings or structures on a legal plan, along with important details like easements or rights-of-way. Paper copies and PDF are provided. A topographic survey maps the physical features, elevations, and contours of your property — essential for design, planning, and site development. Construction surveys support the building process by ensuring that structures are placed accurately and meet the design specifications from the ground up. Not sure which survey is right for you? Get in touch with our team — we’ll walk you through the options and help you choose the best fit for your project.
- 04An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use a specific part of another person’s property for a particular purpose. While the landowner retains ownership, the easement holder has the right to access or use the land in a clearly defined way, without owning it. Easements are common in both residential and commercial settings, and they serve a range of practical needs. Some of the most common types include: • Right-of-Way: Allows passage through a property (e.g., shared driveways or access lanes) • Utility Easement: Grants utility companies access to install and maintain services like power lines, water, or gas • Drainage Easement: Permits water to flow through a designated area for stormwater or runoff management
- 05Survey timelines depend on your property, the type of survey needed, and how quickly we can access the site. Once we understand your situation, we’ll provide a clear timeline and keep you informed at every stage.
- 06Yes. While we don't provide copies of outdated surveys, we can help you by performing a new survey. Property conditions and "occupation"— such as fences, retaining walls, and survey monuments - often shift over time. A new survey ensures you are working with an accurate reflection of current site conditions, protecting your investment and preventing potential boundary disputes.
- 07Absolutely. While we also serve developers, municipalities, and commercial clients, we take pride in supporting homeowners across Ontario, especially when you’re dealing with a process that can feel overwhelming. We’ll provide the same level of care, accuracy, and professionalism you’d expect from a large-scale project, with a friendly, step-by-step approach that puts you at ease.
- 01Land surveys are essential for determining property boundaries, assessing land value, and facilitating land development or construction projects. They provide accurate measurements of a specific parcel of land, helping property owners, developers, and government entities make informed decisions in the process of land management and development. A plan of survey is crucial for resolving property disputes, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, and establishing legal documentation for property transactions.
- 02A land surveyor is a licensed professional who measures and maps land to determine property boundaries, elevations, and physical features. Their work includes: • Retracing and defining legal boundaries • Preparing certified plans of survey • Supporting construction and land development projects • Ensuring compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal regulations • Resolving property disputes and identifying encroachments • Monitoring land movement in areas prone to change Surveyors play a critical role in accurate land records, property transactions, and development planning, helping homeowners, developers, and governments make informed, compliant decisions.
- 03A boundary survey (or plan of survey) determines the exact property lines and corners of a parcel of land. It’s commonly used to resolve property disputes, confirm legal boundaries, and support permitting or land transactions. A topographic survey, on the other hand, maps the elevations, contours, and physical features of a property, such as trees, slopes, retaining walls, and surface structures. It’s often used in construction, site design, and land development, where a detailed understanding of the terrain is essential. These two types of surveys serve different purposes but can also be combined. A single plan of survey can include topographic data to give you both legal clarity and site context, especially helpful when preparing for development or new construction.
- 04A land survey provides a clear, legal representation of your property’s exact boundaries, corners, and any relevant physical features. This precise information helps property owners confirm where their land begins and ends — and spot any potential encroachments, such as fences, structures, or vegetation that may cross onto their property. In the case of a boundary dispute, a certified plan of survey can serve as a legal document to support your position, whether you're negotiating with a neighbor or dealing with legal proceedings. It’s a reliable way to clarify ownership, reduce conflict, and protect your property rights with confidence.
- 05In Ontario, a land survey isn’t always required for a building permit, but in many cases, municipalities or approval authorities will request one as part of your application. Surveys, like a plan of survey, site plan, or topographic survey, help ensure your project meets local zoning bylaws, setback requirements, and other regulatory standards. They also reduce the risk of boundary issues, encroachments, or costly redesigns later on. If you're unsure what's needed for your permit, we can help you determine the right type of survey and guide you through the process, so your project starts on solid ground.
- 06There’s no fixed rule, but we recommend updating your land survey anytime significant changes occur, either to your property or its surroundings. You should consider getting a new survey when: • Buying or selling your property • Refinancing your mortgage • Planning construction or additions • Dealing with boundary disputes or encroachments An up-to-date survey gives you accurate, reliable information about your property’s boundaries and features. It’s a smart way to avoid surprises and ensure everything is documented correctly, especially when permits, legal matters, or long-term planning are involved.
- 07We recommend reviewing the following entities before deciding to hire a surveying company: Before hiring a land surveyor, it’s important to understand the professional standards that govern the industry. We recommend reviewing the following regulatory and professional bodies to ensure you’re working with a qualified and licensed surveyor: • Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS):(https://www.aols.org/) The licensing body for Ontario Land Surveyors. Only professionals licensed by AOLS can legally carry out cadastral (legal boundary) surveys in Ontario. • Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS):(https://www.acls-aatc.ca/) The national licensing authority for surveys on Canada Lands, which include Indigenous reserves, national parks, and federal properties. A CLS designation is required for work on these lands. • Professional Surveyors Canada (PSC):(https://psc-gpc.ca/) A national organization that advocates for high standards of practice and professional development among Canadian surveyors. Verifying that your surveyor is affiliated with these organizations ensures that the work will be accurate, compliant, and legally recognized. If you’re unsure what kind of license is needed for your property or project, we’d be happy to help clarify.
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