If there’s one place you should consider when buying property, it’s Calgary. After all, it’s one of the most livable cities globally. And it’s among the wealthiest and cleanest Canadian cities today.
So, it’s no wonder why many people flock to Calgary and choose a property in the area as their next residence or investment.
However, when you purchase a lot, you need to remember that a land survey should be at the top of your list before signing any contract. A Calgary land surveyor is crucial in buying a property because they show you where your prospective lot lies and precisely what you’re getting.
But among the different kinds of land surveys, what do you need?
Types of Land Survey
Land surveys are essential in determining the exact details of the property – something you need to know before making a purchase.
During this process, a Calgary land surveyor measures the dimensions of the specific lot and determines the boundaries and features of the property. The resulting legal property description will be valuable to the property owners, especially in cases of encroachment and trespassing.
But there are different types of surveys, depending on the purpose and other factors.
Boundary Survey
One of the most common land survey types is the boundary survey. From its name, you can deduce that locating the boundary lines of a piece of land is its purpose, which is very useful before purchasing, improving, or building on any property.
This type of land survey involves interpreting registry records, deeds, and physical evidence. Through research and fieldwork, surveyors will identify corners of a lot and set new markers to determine proper property boundaries.
Construction Survey
Before any construction begins, you will need a construction survey to use as a guide. It involves inspection of the parcel of land and staking out the reference points and markers so you will know exactly where to set your development plans.
It is also required when you want to sort out structures on your property, including walls, roads, buildings, and other utilities.
A construction survey often involves horizontal or vertical grading, or both, to be completed.
Location Survey
The location survey and boundary survey are very much alike. However, the former is more detailed and provides additional information, primarily where interior improvements are concerned, compared to the latter.
This type of survey is required for land development planning, financial aspects, and zoning permits.
Topographic Survey
Much like the other types of surveys mentioned, the topographic survey determines and identifies many aspects of the land such as terrain. These structures include buildings, fences, roads, streams, ditches, and trees. And it involves fieldwork and aerial photography.
The government may require this type of survey before improvements on the land can be made.
Subdivision Survey
If you want to divide a piece of land into smaller lots or estates, you’ll need a subdivision survey. It requires determining the property’s outer limits and dividing it into two or more halves.
The government also uses this type of survey to plan drainage and design streets.
Site Planning Survey
The site planning survey is like a combination of the boundary survey and the topographic survey. And it is essential in designing residential lots, subdivisions, and commercial and industrial structures, such as stores and highways.
There’s no question about the importance of land surveys in buying property. And learning about it, its types, and its procedure will help you understand the process better and help you make better decisions.
