Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Why do I need a survey?

    Whether you're buying, selling, developing, building or subdividing, stakeholders like the municipality or mortgage lenders require you to have a current survey.


    Any time you make changes to your land – constructing an addition, garage or pool, moving a fence, changing the landscape, or building your dream home, you'll need a survey.


    A legal survey will also help resolve any neighbour boundary disputes. Knowing your property line helps you protect what's yours.

  • What does a survey cost?

    Every surveying project is different, including the size and complexity of the property. Some factors of a survey include:

    • number of hours in the field investigation
    • searching for the original boundary markers
    • researching legal records to find the original survey
    • analyzing your land and the adjoining properties to ensure precise calculations
    • drafting the survey plan and creating the final report

  • When should I get a survey?

    We recommend booking your survey far enough in advance – even months, before making any changes, additions or improvements to your land.


    This helps you avoid costly mistakes and time delays when you must stop your subcontractors and construction project because of unexpected and expensive property, elevation, location or boundary issues.

  • Will having title insurance protect me?

    Many homeowners think they don't need a survey because they're protected with title insurance. However, title insurance protects the mortgage lender more than it does the homeowner and usually doesn't cover any potential boundary or encroachment issues.


    Be informed and be protected with a current legal survey.

  • My neighbour built his fence on my land yet insists it's his property. What can I do?

    Neighbour disputes are common when someone builds or tears down a fence, hedge, or erects a building encroaching on your property, believing their survey is the correct one.


    Your first step is to stay calm and obtain your own new survey showing the physical boundaries of your property.

  • What is a monument?

    A monument is a land marker that indicates a boundary line or corner of your property.


    Monuments can be an iron pin, a wooden post, pits or mounds. Bearing trees that were squared and marked on four sides were at one time used. The trees relationship to the lot corners were noted on the original plans dating back to the late 1860s.


    It is suggested to contact a certified Ontario Land Surveyor to authenticate your property monuments.

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