Question 1

What do I need to know before I hire a land surveyor?

Accepted Answer

If 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.

Question 2

When would I need a survey and why?

Accepted Answer

The 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.

Question 3

How do I know what type of land survey I need (plan of survey, topographic, construction, etc.)? (copy)

Accepted Answer

The 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.

Question 4

What is an Easement?

Accepted Answer

An 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

Question 5

How long does a survey take?

Accepted Answer

Survey 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.

Question 6

I don’t have a copy of my old survey. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 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.

Question 7

Do you work with individual homeowners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions