When it comes to owning or buying property, one of the most overlooked details is the exact location of your property line. Many homeowners and even seasoned developers have made costly mistakes by relying on assumptions, old fences, or vague word-of-mouth boundaries. But when a dispute arises, none of those will hold up—only a proper property line survey Edmonton can.
Why Property Lines Matter More Than You Think
Your property line defines where your land starts and ends. It affects everything from where you can build a fence or driveway to who owns that patch of garden near the alley. If you build even an inch over the legal boundary, you could be facing more than just an angry neighbour—you could be facing legal action, fines, or an order to tear everything down.
This kind of mistake doesn’t just create stress. It can cost thousands of dollars in legal fees, construction rework, and lost property value.
The Most Common Boundary Mistakes
You might be surprised at how often property lines are misunderstood or misused. Here are a few common errors people make:
- Building structures too close to the edge. Sheds, garages, decks, or fences that cross into a neighbour’s lot can lead to expensive legal disputes.
- Landscaping on assumed lines. Planting trees or installing permanent fixtures based on guesswork can backfire quickly if your assumptions are wrong.
- Relying on outdated documents. Just because a document or an old survey exists doesn’t mean it’s still valid. Changes in zoning, subdivided lots, or even previous survey errors can make old documents unreliable.
If you’re in the Edmonton area and you’re unsure about your boundary, booking a property line survey in Edmonton is a simple and smart preventative step.
What Is a Property Line Survey, Exactly?
A property line survey is conducted by a licensed land surveyor. They use precise tools and official records to determine the exact legal boundaries of your property. The process includes:
- Reviewing the land title and legal descriptions
- Locating existing boundary markers (if any)
- Measuring distances and angles using advanced surveying equipment
- Preparing a survey plan that clearly shows your property boundaries
This plan is more than just a map—it’s a legal document that can help resolve disputes, gain city approvals, or guide construction decisions.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Boundary
It might be tempting to “eyeball it” or follow an existing fence line, but without a legal survey, you’re taking a big risk. Visual assumptions can be off by several feet, especially in older neighbourhoods where fences and buildings were placed without proper documentation.
In fact, relying on visual cues or old records doesn’t just risk your finances—it can also damage your relationship with neighbours. A formal property line survey in Edmonton provides clarity and peace of mind to both parties, and can serve as a neutral reference if a dispute ever arises.
When Should You Get a Property Line Survey?
Here are a few situations where getting a property line survey is not just smart, but essential:
- Before building a fence, shed, garage, or other structure
- When buying or selling a property
- If you’re subdividing your land
- If there’s a dispute or confusion with a neighbour about boundaries
- Before doing significant landscaping or installing permanent fixtures near the edge of your lot
Don’t rely on assumptions. Know your limits—literally.
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