Do I Need a Land Survey for a Fence?
Good fences make good neighbors. However, when put in the wrong location, they can cause a number of problems. If you’re installing a fence, it pays to know where your property starts and ends. Remember, if your fence is located on your neighbor’s land, it becomes your neighbor’s property.
If you place it on the boundary line, it becomes a boundary line fence, meaning that your neighbor jointly owns the fence. If the fence is too far inside your property, you risk giving up the outer side of the fence that your neighbor can claim using adverse possession. So, do you need a survey to put up a fence? Read on to find out.
Do I Need a Land Survey for a Fence?
If you have never checked your property lines before, it’s best to leave this to the experts to avoid costly mistakes. If you want to do it yourself, you can find property lines on your own, check them on the map, a measure based on your homeowner’s deed or visit your local zoning department for more information. It’s quite easy to make mistakes when you do it alone, and you may have to tear down the fence and start all over again. That’s why it’s critical to use a professional land surveyor to show you where your land starts and ends.
What Should I Expect During a Land Survey for a Fence Installation?
Land surveyors use technology to determine the exact location of property lines. They use Global Positioning Systems (GPS), theodolites, 3D printers, and altimeters to help locate the lines. These tools are quite reliable, accurate, and fast. Your surveyor will mark the exact spot your land starts to where it ends to make it easier for your fence construction.
How Much Does a Land Survey for a Fence Installation Cost?
Like all land surveys, the cost of a fence installation land survey heavily depends on several factors, including the characteristics of the terrain and the size of your land. It’s prudent to research and find out how much surveyors in your area charge before hiring. Make sure there are no hidden fees that could increase the overall cost.
How To Find Property Lines on Your Own
If you want to locate your property lines yourself, you can do so using a compass, calculator, deed, or tape measure. Find a starting point and use your tape measure for distance and compass for directions, marking points to determine the lines. You can locate wooden stakes or iron pins that may have been staked previously to indicate lines in the past. Avoid using your neighbor’s fence to get property lines, as they can be way off. Remember, you can be sued for encroachment and other lawsuits which come with heavy fines.
Get in Touch With Experienced Land Surveyors in Sequin, TX
Are you planning to fence your property soon? Our team of professionals at Bettersworth & Associates, Inc. can help you get your property lines so you can have peace of mind when constructing your fence. We handle every project with precision. Contact us to start your conversation with one of our professionals today!
Categorised in: Land Surveyor