Spot the Encroachment: Retaining Walls in the Front Yard Many neighborhoods in Calgary are built on rolling hills with steep roads, that often feature retaining walls in front yards. This property, which we surveyed last autumn, features a new brick retaining wall. It can be difficult to guess where the property line is located without a proper survey. [...]
Spot the Bylaw Infraction: Decks! The original deck built on this home was fully compliant with the city's bylaws. Then, the homeowner decided to add on to the side of the deck, without a permit, to facilitate a staircase into the yard. While it looks great, the extension of the deck is now a bylaw infraction, and a development permit is required before the sale of the property can be completed. [...]
Overland Drainage Right-of-Way and a Playhouse? Does it make a difference if there is no swale in a right-of-way? [...]
How to Spot an Encroachment – Window Wells? People are often surprised when they see window wells included on Real Property Reports. Consider for a moment what could happen when you install a window [...]
How to Spot an Encroachment – Where is the Property Corner? Where is the property corner? When a surveyor walks up to a wall like the one pictured below, they will immediately wonder if the [...]
Two Most Common Questions Asked by Realtors We receive many great questions from realtors about Real Property Reports, here are a few favorites. “On a recent listing, I noticed that the homeowner had covered [...]
How to Spot an Encroachment Where is my Property Line? The image shows two views of the side yard and steps, from the inside and outside of the fence. Where is my [...]
How to Spot a Bylaw Infraction What is a pergola? Surveyors show pergolas on Real Property Reports because they are considered additions to the house or a building like a shed. Encroachment into an [...]
How to Spot a Bylaw Infraction How long will it take to get a relaxation permit? Do those eaves seem too close together? Surveyors will focus their attention on any improvements that are close [...]