If you suspect that your neighbour has built a fence, shed, garage, or even part of their home on your property, you’re not alone. Property line disputes are more common than many people think—and they can get messy fast. Whether you recently noticed a structure edging too close to your side or you’re in the middle of a property upgrade yourself, having the facts on your side is key. That’s where land survey services in Edmonton come in.
How Encroachments Happen
Encroachments aren’t always malicious or even intentional. In many neighbourhoods, especially older ones, property lines were established decades ago—and sometimes based on outdated or informal measurements. Over time, as properties change hands and new additions are built, misunderstandings about where one lot ends and the other begins can easily arise.
Add in factors like shifting fences, vague descriptions on property deeds, or informal handshake agreements between past owners, and it’s easy to see how things get murky.
But here’s the good news: a land survey can bring clarity.
What a Land Survey Can (and Can’t) Do
A professional land surveyor uses legal documents, historical records, and precise modern equipment to determine the true boundaries of a property. With land survey services in Edmonton, a homeowner can receive a certified plan that marks the exact limits of their land—down to the centimeter.
This means if a neighbour’s structure crosses the line, a survey will show it. Whether it’s a fence that cuts across your backyard or a garage wall that rests a few feet inside your boundary, the results from the survey can be used to settle disputes—and even support legal claims if it comes to that.
However, it’s important to know what a land surveyor doesn’t do: they don’t enforce the results. They won’t tell your neighbour to move their structure or tear it down. But they do provide the clear, professional evidence you need to take the next steps.
When to Get a Survey Done
If you suspect your neighbour has encroached on your land, it’s wise to act quickly—especially if they’ve recently started construction or improvements near the shared boundary. Once a structure is up, the situation becomes harder (and more expensive) to reverse.
Other good times to use land survey services in Edmontonn include:
- Before installing a new fence
- Before selling or buying a property
- When building an addition or garage near the lot line
- When a neighbour disputes your property boundaries
Even if no conflict has arisen yet, getting a survey before you start any major project can save you a legal headache later.
What to Expect from the Process
Hiring a professional to conduct a land survey typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Research. The surveyor will gather land title documents, subdivision plans, and any prior surveys on record.
- Field Work. Using GPS, total stations, and other high-precision tools, they’ll visit the site and take measurements.
- Boundary Calculation. Back in the office, the surveyor interprets the data and determines the legal boundaries.
- Survey Plan Delivery. You’ll receive a formal survey plan showing boundary lines and any encroachments or structures of concern.
In many cases, the findings are enough to initiate a productive discussion with your neighbour. But if the matter escalates, your survey can serve as admissible evidence in court or during mediation.
It’s your land. A professional survey can help you prove it.
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