Jul 6, 2016
Rebuilding Your Home? Here’s How a Surveyor Can Help
Slowly but surely, the rebuilding process is getting under way in Fort McMurray.
LN is proud to be part of this effort, and we want to make sure that residents have all the information and support that they need.
A rebuild doesn’t have to be the long and stressful process some communities experienced after the wildfires in Slave Lake, and working with a land surveyor will get your new home off to right start. Here’s how we can help:
Development Permits
Whether a home needs repairs or a complete rebuild, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo requires homeowners to get an approved development permit before they can proceed.
Read our in-depth guide to development permits and find out how to apply.
Site Plan/Plot Plan
The main requirement for obtaining a development permit is a site plan (also called a plot plan) created by an Alberta Land Surveyor.
A site plan is a detailed survey showing exactly where everything is located on a property. It includes easements, rights of way, property lines, and the locations of any existing structures that remain (walkways, garages, etc.)
Underground Locates
In addition to a site plan, your property might need wellsite information or an underground survey to make sure you won’t come in contact with pipes or cables during construction.
A good rule of thumb is to “call before you dig,” so if you’re unsure about your needs please get in touch and we’ll make sure you’re covered.
Property Lines
A rebuild is a good opportunity to make sure you know the official boundaries of your property. The last thing you want to do is rebuild a home or a fence only to find out it’s on land that doesn’t belong to you. A survey could also reveal some extra building room you didn’t realize you had!
Building Considerations
Prior to construction, LN can send a crew to your lot to layout the new building location.
If you are thinking of rebuilding your own home you might find this guide to building a home useful. You may also want to consider fire-resistant features during your rebuild.
When it comes to choosing a reputable builder, new amendments to the New Home Buyer Protection Act require builders to register online and are meant to protect Wood Buffalo residents as they rebuild.
Grading Certificates
Lot grading refers to the creation of slopes and other features to ensure proper drainage away from a property. It is an important part of home construction, especially if your property is in a flood-prone area.
There are two stages of lot grading approval:
- A rough grading certificate is provided by the homebuilder.
- Homeowners are responsible for obtaining a final grading certificate from a registered land surveyor.
Read our in-depth guide to grading certificates in Alberta.
Real Property Reports
After construction is complete, a registered land surveyor can provide new homeowners with a Real Property Report. These legal documents outline property boundaries, highlight improvements made during construction, and provide clear, easy to understand property valuations. They are very useful if you are planning on selling your home.
Ready to Get Started?
LN has helped hundreds of Albertan residents to renovate and build their homes, and we are up to date with the latest municipal and provincial requirements
You can reach our Fort Mac Team––Mike, Rebecca and MaryBeth––at the Fort McMurray office, by email (info@lnldt.ca), or at 780.791.0075. They are ready to help you through every step of the rebuild process!