Fence Posts & Property Lines
Before you install any fence posts, you need to know where your property lines fall. Most homeowners push the boundaries of their new fencing, but that’s not always the best idea. As your local fencing and decking experts, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when installations aren’t properly researched beforehand. Save yourself the hassle and heartache of moving your fence by:
Getting a Survey
Unless you’ve recently had one, of course. Some homeowners request a survey before officially purchasing their homes, which means they have a copy of their property lines somewhere. If you can’t find yours, you can check with your local deed and assessor’s office to see if they have a copy on file. You may have to pay a small administrative fee to obtain it, but that’s a lot less expensive than paying a surveyor.
Unfortunately, if it’s been a while since there was any survey of your property—especially if there’s a dispute over the boundaries—you may need a new one. Budget-wise, you’re looking at $500 to $1000 for a quality survey. But that’s a small price to pay to avoid a potential boundary dispute with your neighbor(s). As you look for reputable surveyors in your area and don’t forget to talk to your fencing experts. Not only can we recommend professionals we’ve worked with in the past, but also, we can help you understand all the steps you need to take during this process.
Researching Local Rules & Regulations
Did you know different cities, towns, and jurisdictions may have different rules on fence posts? It seems silly, but if they’ve had a lot of neighborly disputes in the past, they may have established stricter rules and regulations over time. In Maryland alone, we see a lot of variation. Depending on where you live, you be allowed to go right up to your property lines, or having to set your fencing back 2, 4, 6, or 8 inches.
While our team at Excel Fencing & Decking tries to stay on top of relevant regulations, we don’t always have access to all of the information. Especially if your neighborhood has an organized homeowners’ association (HOA), then you should research potential restrictions on your own. We’d be happy to help, once you obtain a copy of all fencing-related rules and regulations.
Talking to Your Neighbors
Realistically, fence posts and property lines become more of an issue once a dispute develops between you and your neighbors. If you wanted to build a fence on your property line and your neighbor was in agreement, then you two could share ownership (and costs) associated with this project. What happens once that neighbor moves, though?
Save yourself the headache of fencing disputes by having a discussion with your neighbors ahead of time. If they’re agreeable and have no plans to move in the near future, you can proceed with installing a fence along your property lines. (Provided there are no local ordinances or HOA rules that say you can’t.). Otherwise, we can adjust the placement of your new fence posts for a hassle-free installation that will stand for many years. Just let us know how we can help you solve this particular puzzle!