Build Fences Without a Property Dispute in Guadalupe County TX

Good fences make good neighbors, but when done incorrectly, they can also cause a property dispute in Guadalupe County, TX. Many disagreements over property lines arise when something noticeable happens, like a new fence installation. There are individuals who used that fence to push out their property lines and encroach on a neighbor. This is not only inconsiderate, but also illegal. If you are refencing your property, here is how to finish that task without legal trouble:

• Confirm boundaries: Once the old fence is taken down, it will be difficult to assess boundaries. Even if you build the new fence alongside the old one, you still risk encroaching on your neighbors. Call a land surveyor and confirm the boundaries before you build. Otherwise, you risk legal trouble and may have to pull down your fence and start over. That will come at considerable cost to you.
• Communicate: Do not just start building one day and put your neighbor ill at ease. Visit them first and let them know what is going on. Describe the fence so they know it will not interfere with them, and if the fencing is a shared one for rural property, take safeguards if your neighbor has livestock. You will likely have to work together to contain animals while you build. Also, if there are any property line issues, this gives your neighbor a chance to bring them up so you can resolve them before you build.
• Know your limits: If building on a suburban property, you might have height, color and material limits. You need to follow them or risk fines and being required to remove your fence. Even if local ordinances lack requirements, your homeowner association may have different ideas. There is no wiggle room in this area, and you need to find limits before you start designing your fence.
• Present your fence well: If your fence has a “good side” that simply looks better, face that towards your neighbor and the street. The better your fence looks to everyone else, the less likely they will be to attempt a property dispute. Even if you took the time to put all your legal ducks in a row, people may try to start something if they find your fence unattractive. Reduce that temptation by presenting your fence as well as possible.
• Keep it maintained: A new fence can be unsettling to some people, and that becomes worse if it lacks aesthetic appeal due to neglect. If it is a wood fence, keep it painted and treated. Do not let it fade or allow weather conditions to compromise it. Make repairs to your fence when needed, especially if it’s shared with the neighbor and they have pets they wish to keep secured. It is your responsibility to maintain both sides so your fence does not become an issue for other people.

If you wish to avoid a property dispute in Guadalupe County, TX, contact Bettersworth & Associates, Inc. for a land survey. We can confirm your property lines before you build so you can be at peace with your neighbors.

Categorised in: Property Dispute