Installing a fence can beautify properties, provide security, deter intruders, and ensure safety for children and pets. Before installing any fencing, it’s critical that individuals know exactly where their property lines run. Failure to do so can lead to fines and an order to remove a newly installed by local governing entities.

Individuals often think they know exactly where their property lines are, but without having it surveyed, there’s no way to be absolutely sure. Subtle variances and errors can be made over time. A survey is absolutely essential for two important reasons. The first is that some jurisdictions allow a fence to be erected directly on a property line.

The second reason is that some locations have a setback rule, stating that a fence has to be established a specific distance away from the property line toward the fence owner’s property That means that individuals could lose up to 12 inches of their property usage due to a setback law. If a fence is installed on any part of a neighbor’s property, the individual erecting the fence will have to move it.

It’s just one of the reasons that the services of a professional fencing company are preferable to a DIY approach. The experts will know the prevailing rules in a particular area. They’ll also know what permits are required and be able to obtain them. Failure to obtain proper permitting can also result in individuals being ordered to remove their fence.

Another consideration are neighbors. In some areas, half of the upkeep and cost of fencing will fall upon the neighbors. It’s a responsibility and cost that many don’t want to incur. Individuals may even need their neighbors’ permission before installing a fence. Neighbors will also have the right to remove branches, bushes and growths that infringe on the fence, even if it’s a prized planting belonging to the fence owner.

Before calling in the professionals to install a fence, individuals should actually do some measuring on their own. It will help in budgeting for the project and facilitate communications with the fencing professional about what’s wanted. A fencing specialist will still make an on-site visit to view the area to determine if there are any extenuating circumstances such as thin soil, slopes, property curves, obstacles, or utility lines that must be considered.

Property Lines

It’s critical to identify exactly where the property lines are located. Without knowing where property lines are, the fence could inadvertently end up on the neighbor’s property. If that happens, it will need to be moved and a neighbor could even initiate a lawsuit if they want to be unpleasant.

Some municipalities allow fences to be erected on the property line, while others require it to be set a specific distance away from the property line. Let neighbors know about the fence, as they may be partially responsible for its upkeep, depending on local regulations.

Measuring

Measure the perimeter of the property in feet and mark each corner of the property with a stake. Individuals will need someone to help them since the tape measure will need to be taut when measuring. For individuals that decide to install the fence themselves, they’ll need to run a taut string around the perimeter to help ensure the fence line is erected in a straight line. Mark where any gates will go how wide they will be.

Professional Expertise

Fencing panels typically come in 6 or 8-foot panels so it can be helpful to divide the total perimeter footage by the size of the panel. However, there will also be posts to consider and there’s no way of knowing the space they’ll require until the type of fencing is selected. It’s just one of the ways in which the expertise and knowledge of a professional fencer is invaluable.

Erecting a fence can beautify and add value to homes and businesses. Installing a fence can provide safety, security and privacy. A fence is beneficial for discouraging the neighbor’s weeds from encroaching on the property, keeping out wildlife, concealing unattractive features, and delineating property boundaries. Bear in mind that local laws may dictate that an individual consults with their neighbors before erecting a fence.

Land Limits

Even if an individual has a plat map or legal description of their property, it will probably provide little assistance in determining exactly where their property lines are since most people won’t be able to convert those descriptions into the physicality of their land.

It doesn’t matter whether individuals are performing a do-it-yourself project or hiring a professional fence installer. Without an accurate and very recent survey, individuals could easily discover that they’ve erected their fence on the neighbor’s property. Many fence installers won’t even attempt to erect a fence without a survey.

Improper Materials

Municipalities typically have rules and regulations about fences, including their height the appearance of the gate, and the type of materials from which they can be constructed. Those rules can be especially stringent for those governed by an HOA.

Consequences

Erecting a fence on the neighbor’s property will have consequences. Individuals will be required to engage in the very costly removal of the fence. Any attachments or structures that encroach of the property line as a result of the misplaced fence will also need to be removed such as children’s playsets, greenhouses, gardens, a treehouse or swimming pool, and patios or decks.

Litigation

Depending on the neighbor’s mood and the individual’s relationship with them, overstepping the bounds of the property can result in an expensive lawsuit. It will still end with the removal of the fence and any other installations that are on the neighbor’s land. Individuals may also face fines from the local government entity.

You may be proud of your new fence, but your neighbor may not share your enthusiasm. The fence you install may have ramifications for the neighbor(s) yards. A significant portion of the population display emotions ranging from puzzlement and indignation to outright anger over a fence. To head off potential disputes, you should observe proper fence etiquette.

Inform Your Neighbor

It’s just a common courtesy to have a friendly conversation with any neighbors that could be impacted and let them know what you want to do. Depending on local regulations, they may be financially responsible for a portion of the upkeep. If you have a homeowner’s association (HOA), never erect a fence unless you get approval in writing first.

Boundaries

Before erecting any type of fence, it’s critical that you know exactly where your property line is located. Impinging on your neighbor’s property by as little as an inch can mean you have to take down the fence and relocate it. It may be convenient to rely on the property’s plat map but to be absolutely positive of your boundaries, hire a surveyor that will place physical markers on the lines.

In or Out

Bear in mind that standard procedure is to install a fence with the finished or “pretty” side facing outward. If you want to view the same beauty of the fence on the inside as the rest of the world sees, consider a double-sided fence.

Maintenance

Few things are as distasteful to look at as a fence that’s fallen into disrepair. Fences that are sagging, leaning, have fallen prey to insects, or needs painting or staining is unpleasant and lowers home values. If you don’t have time to perform the proper maintenance, there are a variety of fencing material options that are almost completely maintenance-free and will even withstand hurricane force winds.

Fencing Contractors

The happiness and satisfaction you have in your new fence will depend largely on the experience, reliability and professionalism of your contractor. Compare installers and choose with care.

Erecting a fence on your property is more complicated than you may anticipate. There are legal regulations that must be adhered to and permits that will be required. However, the process of installing a fence all begins with knowing the exact location of your property lines.

Installing a fence without knowing where your property lines are can result in legal action by adjacent land owners. Without that knowledge, you can easily find yourself responsible for removing and relocating your freshly erected fence. It can also affect your ability to insure your home.

Check Your Deed

The deed to your property will have a legal description of your property and its boundaries. Older deeds may not include the information and will refer you to an older document. However, older documents may reference landmarks or other features that don’t exist any longer.

Plat Map

A plat map is a document that defines property lines and includes data about structures, elevations, and bodies of water. A plat map may be included as part of your deed and if not, you can view it at the city or county assessor’s office or online in some locales.

Perform a Survey

One of the easiest ways to determine exactly where your property lines are is to have a new survey performed. It’s a very precise measurement that identifies where all existing boundaries are located. The cost of a survey will vary among companies licensed to do the task.

Stakes and Markers

When a survey of your property was made, the survey company will have left a wooden stake or metal marker to mark the boundaries. If that marker is still available, you can tell where your property lines lie. The markers may be flush with the ground or sticking up several inches above the ground.