Spot the Encroachment - Parallel Fences If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a picture of parallel fences must be worth more. Clearly, there are at least two stories behind this set of fences between neighbours. Surveyors will always pay attention to these situations as there is likely a pre-existing dispute about the location of the property line. [...]
Spot the Encroachment - Overland Drainage Real Property Reports will show the entire property and any Rights-of-Way that affect the subject property. Here is a prime example of why. [...]
How to Spot an Encroachment - Quickly Most realtors will purchase the certificate of title and email us a copy when ordering a Real Property Report to prevent errors. We knew within minutes of this Real Property Report being ordered that we would find an encroachment. How did we know? There is a caveat listed on this title that is described as an Encroachment Agreement. This agreement can also be purchased from the Land Titles office. [...]
How to Spot an Infraction - Attached Sunrooms When a homeowner encloses a deck with screened-in walls and a roof that are attached to their house, they are creating an addition to the main residential building. The main residential building is subject to specific regulations that differ from the rules that govern decks. As we discovered in the process of providing a Real Property Report and obtaining a Certificate of Compliance, the sunroom is not in compliance with the bylaw. [...]
How long will it take to get a Real Property Report? One of the first questions a new client will ask is, “How long will it take to get a Real Property Report?” The short answer is Third Rock delivers in approximately 3 to 5 business days. A common follow-up question is, “Okay, but what time will you be at my house?” That answer is a little more difficult, and here is why. [...]
Additions and Side Yards Walking past this enclosed deck that looks more like an addition than a deck with windows and doors, a person might wonder how close to the side property line they are allowed to build. Once we completed this report and provided distances from the property line to the foundation corner and the addition's corner, the city provided an answer. The bylaw for this parcel states the setback from the side property line is 1.2m (about 4 feet). The addition is only 0.86m away and does not comply with the bylaw. [...]
Does the city flag private encroachments? Real Property Reports list three types of encroachments. [...]
3 Reasons why your old RPR is not acceptable Real Property Reports have changed over time. Many decades ago, survey certificates only showed the foundation of the dwelling and the compliance certificates were subject to older bylaws. Modern Real Property Report show all permanent improvements and are likewise subject to modern bylaws. [...]
When does my Real Property Report expire? Real Property Reports contain several dates. The date the survey was conducted and the date the report was signed are important dates because they explain to the reader exactly when the property was inspected. The report illustrates a snapshot in time of the subject property. Therefore, it is not appropriate to describe a Real Property Report as expired, as though it was mouldy cheese past its best-before date. RPRs are legal documents verified on a particular day. [...]