Condos, Bareland Condos, & Real Property Reports We receive many calls regarding Bareland Condominiums. “Is this plan a Condominium Plan or Bareland?” “Do I need to order a Real Property Report for this condo?” I have prepared two answers to this question. 1. Call me anytime and we will figure it out together. 2. Keep this page as a quick reference for next time. [...]
Our Surveyor Explains how Overland Drainage works in a Side Yard This is an unusual scenario. There is an overland drainage right-of-way along the side of the house which runs along the entire length of the lot. This means anything between the fence and the wall in the picture is within the right-of-way. This includes the eaves of the house, the shed, and the window wells. The current landowner was completely unaware of this issue until they received their Real Property Report. [...]
Spot the Bylaw Infraction: Attached Sheds The majority of residential houses in Calgary are constructed to fit inside the building envelope defined within a lot. There is a good chance, that if you see a shed attached to the side of a house, it may be the source of a bylaw infraction. Remember, a shed that is attached to a house will most likely not meet the side yard setback requirements for the property, as it will be considered an addition to the house. [...]
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. [...]
When (and why) do planters appear on Real Property Reports? Short answer: In most cases, planters should be shown on Real Property Reports when they are permanent features which may be encroaching or hold value. [...]
Overland Drainage Right-of-Way and a Playhouse? Does it make a difference if there is no swale in a right-of-way? [...]
3 Reasons to hire a surveyor when buying or selling a country lot The boundaries of county lots can be difficult to understand. Fences are not always built on property lines. Property around Calgary, especially those with a view, is exceedingly expensive which warrants a high degree of due diligence. Surveying around Calgary We recently provided a survey for a couple considering the purchase of a 2.5 ac. parcel outside of Calgary. Their main concern was determining if their dream home design would fit within the building envelope given the topography and the position of the water well. As it turns out, this due diligence paid off. This quarter section of land had been subdivided in 1994, 2004, and again in 2007. The survey in 2007 significantly changed the boundary of the subject parcel. However, the fences had been built prior and followed the older property lines. The previous owner, the current owner, and their representatives were referencing the older parcel, as was the listing online. [...]
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 [...]