Raikes Geomatics Inc. is a full-service surveying and mapping company based in Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Grey County, Bruce County and the surrounding area, with offices located in Barrie, Midland and Bracebridge.
Angela Rother, Director of Operations at Raikes Geomatics Inc., said there are many reasons to hire a professional land surveyor. Some reasons are optional, like gaining general knowledge of someone’s land boundaries or settling property line disputes. There are also legal requirements for professional land surveys.
Reasons to hire a professional land surveyor
Rother said they’re often called to draw up site plans for permits plans for severance application, boundary line staking and lot severance.
And she said surveying for boundary lines is an excellent option before adding a fence or if you’re having a dispute with your neighbour over where the property line is.
“We come out and put stakes on the line so that there's no question as to where the boundary is,” Rother said.
Plans, boundaries and Reports
- Reference plans
- Road widening plans
- Topographical surveys and site plans for permit application
- Plans of subdivision
- Water access and islands
- Construction layouts
- Land titles act applications
- First Nations land claims
- Expert opinion reports
- CLSR plans & reports
- Surveyor's real property reports
Some surveys are required by your municipality. For example, some site plans and grading plans have to be drawn up by a certified Ontario land surveyor, in accordance with the Ontario Surveyors Act, before you can apply for building permits.
Permits are required before breaking ground on any building project. So, surveying really is the first step of the building process. If not, Rother said your municipality could put a stop order on your project and apply fines.
But other projects are required for real estate transactions, like a reference plan which could be required by a lawyer. Sometimes land surveys are required even if you’re selling a house or making a land transfer.
Lastly, boundary line staking is generally requested by the landowner.
Finding the right survey for you
Rother said the process starts with asking what the purpose of the survey is.
So if someone is looking to add an addition, like a garage, dock or boathouse—that all requires a permit, which may require a survey.
But before visiting the site, a certified land surveyor will prepare a quote. Once approved, they will conduct a site visit to survey the land and prepare the plan that you need.
Still not sure what land survey option is best for you? Contact Raikes Geomatics for a free quote in your area.