When it comes to property ownership, it’s easy to assume that everything within your fence—or where you think the fence should be—is legally yours. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In growing cities like Edmonton, boundary confusion is more common than most homeowners realize. What seems like a minor miscalculation can turn into legal disputes, construction delays, or even the loss of land.
Fortunately, these problems are often preventable with one essential step: investing in professional boundary surveys in Edmonton. Here are five of the most common boundary-related mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them.
1. Building Without Confirming Property Lines
One of the biggest—and most expensive—mistakes homeowners make is constructing fences, sheds, or home additions without confirming the exact property lines. It’s easy to assume that a fence line or hedge row defines your boundary, but assumptions can be costly. If any part of your construction crosses into a neighbour’s property, you could be forced to remove it or face legal action.
Avoid it: Always get a certified boundary survey in Edmonton before beginning any major exterior work. This ensures that your build complies with local regulations and doesn’t infringe on neighbouring land.
2. Relying on Outdated or Informal Information
Some homeowners rely on old property maps, verbal agreements with neighbours, or vague recollections from past owners. Unfortunately, these informal sources are not legally binding and may not reflect accurate measurements.
Avoid it: Request a current, professional boundary survey, especially before buying or selling property, or before making changes to your lot. Modern surveying techniques offer far more precise and legally defensible results.
3. Assuming Shared Features Define Legal Boundaries
Shared driveways, fences, or retaining walls may appear to divide properties, but they don’t always align with legal boundary lines. This can cause confusion about who is responsible for maintenance or who owns what portion of the land.
Avoid it: A boundary survey will clarify the legal limits of your property, including easements or shared access areas. If you’re concerned about liability or property rights, this step provides clarity and protects your interests.
4. Skipping a Survey When Purchasing Property
Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make—but many buyers skip the boundary survey to save a few dollars upfront. Without it, you could be inheriting someone else’s encroachment issues or unclear lot lines.
Avoid it: Always include a boundary survey in Edmonton as part of your due diligence when purchasing real estate. It ensures that what you think you’re buying is exactly what’s on paper—and what’s legally yours.
5. Ignoring Legal Implications in Neighbour Disputes
Boundary disagreements between neighbours can escalate quickly. Whether it’s a tree growing near the line or a disagreement over where a fence should go, these issues can become personal—and expensive.
Avoid it: If you’re facing a dispute, a professional survey provides unbiased, legal documentation of your boundary lines. This can be essential in resolving issues peacefully or presenting your case in court, should it come to that.
If you’re planning renovations, buying property, or simply want to confirm your legal property lines, don’t leave it to guesswork. Boundary Surveys in Edmonton are not just a formality—they’re a practical, preventative tool that protects your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.
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