Adding a fence is one way to determine legal property lines. You need a physical marker because you can’t see boundary lines with the naked eye. Moreover, a fence around your home will improve privacy and curb appeal.

If you are planning to install a fence on your property, it’s best to get a land survey first. Having your land surveyed by an expert will save you time and money. When you skimp on your fence project, boundary disputes might happen in the future.

A land survey will let you know if the fence is in the correct location. Here’s why it is important to survey the land before building a fence:

To Prevent Boundary Disputes

Nobody wants to install a fence that violates their neighbor’s property line. If your fence crosses onto your neighbor’s property, you might have to deal with a boundary dispute. Professional land surveyors are trained to establish property boundaries. They use specialized equipment and techniques to map corners and easements. 

To Locate Underground Drains and Wires

There is a type of survey that focuses on the location and tracing of underground utilities. A land surveyor can help you navigate underground lines, pipes, and drains. This is very important in planning out your property fence. 

Professionals can warn you if you are digging in an unsafe location. Once you know where any buried pipes are, you can build your fence around those to avoid larger problems later on, 

To Prevent Installing Fences on Public Land

If your property is close to a public road or right-of-way, a land survey will allow you to place your fence properly. Any fence next to a road, laneway, or any public property remains the full responsibility of the property owner. 

In general, the roadway owned by your local authorities is wider than the actual paved road. When you install a fence on property owned by the government, the government has the right to remove and relocate your fence. They might ask you to remove the fence in case the road needs to be widened or reconstructed in any way.

You may contact a land surveyor who can give you a legal description of your property lines. Before you start your fencing project, a permit is required for the construction of a fence adjoining public land.

To Identify Boundary Lines

You can’t possibly know where your property starts and ends using the naked eye. This is where land surveyors come in. A land survey determines the property line based on evidence and accurate data. Surveying professionals can define legal property boundaries before erecting the fence posts. 

With their help, there’s no room for an incorrectly installed fence. You may install the fence at least six inches inside the border to ensure it’s within your land.

Are Fences Really Important?

Adding a property fence can benefit you in multiple ways. It provides privacy and makes your property more peaceful and safer. This is why a properly installed fence is needed.

When your fence crosses into your neighbor’s land, they might get irritated or even file a lawsuit against you. A fence that encroaches on their property must be uprooted and reinstalled immediately.

Moreover, property line violations are something that you don’t want to happen. Fines, lawsuits, and litigation can cause you headaches and stress. Avoid these from happening by getting a land survey before a fence installation.

DIY Route vs Hiring a Pro

Any kind of fence installation is not a DIY project. Hiring an expert is always a better choice. From fencing contractors to land surveyors, we recommend that you choose professionals for the job.

When you employ a land survey company, you can expect professionalism and optimal results. Your fence installation will be done correctly right from the start! With a land survey, you’re on the right side of local regulations. This way, you won’t have to remove or relocate your fence later.

Count on Our Professional Surveyors

Planning to install your property fence soon? At Pittsburgh Land Surveyors, we can complete a wide range of survey projects. Our professional team can offer surveying services to help you get your fence project off the ground. To discuss your next project, feel free to contact us today. Let us help with all your land surveying needs!