Most home owners assume that they completely understand the legal description of their property. However, at times, issues arise and it becomes important to reassess what one thought they knew. It is recommended that if you have any doubts about the extent to which your property goes, you should make arrangements to meet with professional surveyors. They will be in a position to help you redefine the legal boundaries of your home. Here are some of the most sensitive parts of the overall construction related survey.

Important boundary lines

Most people have a decent idea of where their property is located. What they do not understand is where the boundary between their own property and what is neighbouring them stands. Most people therefore make the mistake of erecting fences out of their defined boundaries. Before you make the mistake of putting up a fence which you may have to pull down in the long run, have a surveyor help you figure out the exact boundaries to your property.

Dealing with the overlaps, gores and gaps

It is important to get a certificate which shows your property demarcation. The certificate should state that there are no discrepancies between your own property and the property adjacent to it. This statement is especially important for property which is continuous with alleys, roads, streets and highways. You do not want nightmares such as finding out that part of the property which you have built on is on an area marked to be a road.

Understanding easements and rights of way

If your property is blocking a neighbouring property from access to a road or other amenity, the law may impose an easement or a right of way to the owner of the blocked property. You need to understand whether such pre-conditions exist on your property before making any construction. At times, the easement may even specify what part of your property the path to the blocked property will be located. Knowing where it is will help you avoid building along it.

Other legal issues which may arise from lack of proper survey include party wall rights and joint driveways. For instance, you may be needed by the law to maintain your own driveway as a way of supporting your next-door neighbour's driveway. A detailed survey will also help you understand the existing improvements which have been made on a property. In short, as long as you get a detailed survey of a property, you will not get in trouble with anyone during construction.

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