Surveying is essential for landowners who want to understand their property boundaries. It helps protect their rights in case of disputes and aids in planning future projects. But when should you have your land surveyed?
There are several reasons to hire a land surveyor, as surveying is a complex field relevant in various situations. In this article, we will highlight the importance of land surveying and recommend when it is advisable to get your land surveyed. Let’s dive in!
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Having land surveyed before purchase
If you’re thinking about buying land, it’s wise to have it surveyed before finalizing the deal. Why is it important? A survey provides critical information, including:
- The precise boundaries of the property.
- The land’s characteristics.
- Any potential easements.
- Usage restrictions.
- Other vital details that could impact how you use the land.
By hiring a land surveyor to conduct this survey, you ensure that the information is accurate, helping avoid any unpleasant surprises after you take ownership.
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Having your land surveyed before building your home
If you already own land and plan to build, whether it’s a shed, a house, or a multi-unit dwelling, it’s essential to have it surveyed before you begin construction. This is also important for any expansion projects on existing structures.
A layout survey is particularly important in this context. It ensures that your construction plans comply with local regulations, restrictions, and constraints. With this information, you can effectively plan your project while adhering to all necessary guidelines.
The surveyor will create a layout plan and use visual markets to indicate where the future structure will be located, considering land regulations and your specific requirements.
While surveying isn’t mandatory, it serves as a valuable precaution, especially if you’re building near property boundaries. This proactive step can help you avoid potential encroachment issues with neighbouring properties.
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Having your land surveyed before subdividing your land
If you own a large parcel of land and are thinking about subdividing it into smaller lots, having your land surveyed is crucial. You’ll need to work with a land surveyor at various stages of the subdivision process.
Initially, the surveyor can help you understand the possibilities for dividing your land. Later, they will mark the boundaries of the newly created lots. Finally, they will produce the cadastral plan, which is essential for official documents.
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Having your land surveyed in case of a dispute with a neighbour
Are you facing issues with a neighbour, such as their fence encroaching on your property or accusations about your shed being on their land? Perhaps they are claiming a right of way? In any property dispute, having your land surveyed can be invaluable in clarifying the situation and facilitating a fair resolution.
A land surveyor can serve as an expert in conflicts involving property lines. By having them examine your land, you can obtain precise and verifiable evidence to support your claim. The boundaries established during the survey can also help prevent future disputes, providing clarity for both parties.
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Having your land surveyed to update the cadastral plan
Having your land surveyed is essential for updating the cadastral plan of your property. This is useful not only when creating new lots but also for land consolidation or any significant charges.
In Quebec, the cadastral plan is a detailed map of private properties, showing dimensions, area, shape, and position, with each property assigned a distinct lot number. However, it does not include buildings.
Updating this cadastral mapping is crucial for various reasons, including property taxes, utility networks (gas, water, electricity), building permits, and future sales. Ensuring your cadastral plan is accurate helps maintain the integrity of your property records.
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Having your land surveyed to update the location certificate
A location certificate is a document that outlines the current physical and legal status of a piece of land. It includes important information related to cadastral data, property titles, and applicable laws and regulations affecting the property.
This document is especially vital during real estate transactions whether the land is vacant or developed. Although it doesn’t have a specific validity period, it’s crucial that it accurately reflects the property’s current condition.
It’s generally recommended to have your land surveyed every ten years to ensure the information in the location certificate is up to date. Additionally, surveying is advisable after any significant changes to the property, such as building a shed, pool, or expanding existing structures.
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In summary, there are many reasons to have your land surveyed. It’s an essential step for any landowner wanting to understand their property boundaries and protect their rights.
Are you looking to understand your property bounderies?
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