Do You Need A Surveyor To Build A Fence?

Good fences make good neighbors, or so the saying goes. However, this isn’t always true when the fence creates a dispute. When a fence is not positioned correctly it can be the start of a legal battle between property owners.

The Benefits of A Fence

Fences often represent a costly investment on the part of the property owner. Most people consider the investment worthwhile when weighed against the benefits. Fences are great for providing privacy and security for your home. They often provide an aesthetic improvement to the home. They are also great at keeping children and pets confined and safe within your yard. A new fence can add significant value to your property.

Building Costs

The cost to erect a fence depends on a number of variable factors. Prices vary based on the type of materials used. The square footage of the area to be fenced also influences the total cost. Other factors like the grade of land and type of soil have to be taken into consideration as well. Fences cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars to construct. That is why it is important to get it right from the start.

An Expensive Mistake

Some homeowners cut corners by avoiding paying for a survey prior to erecting a fence. This strategy is shortsighted when you consider the potential cost of an incorrectly placed fence. The potential consequences including being required to remove part or all of the fence due to a boundary error. Building a fence without a proper survey is potentially a very expensive mistake.

When A Survey Is Required

You may not need a survey if a recent recorded survey is available. An up-to-date survey is needed in order to protect your investment. If one is not available you will want to commission a new one. It is important that the survey addresses any possible issues such as encroachments. If you do have a survey performed, it is a good idea to let the neighbors know. This can ensure that any disagreements are addressed early in the process.

Property Line Staking

In order to put up your fence, you will want to have the property line staked. The surveyor will mark the corners of your property using an iron rod with an attached flag. It is a good idea to leave some form of permanent marking on the property corner in order to prevent the need for additional staking in the future. In some cases, a property line will go through a tree. This will be marked accordingly. Once your property line is staked, you can plan your fence line. It is never a good idea to put your fence exactly on the line. In some cases, fence footings may encroach into the adjoining property. This can cause potential disputes over the fence. Before you build, contact a property surveyor in Moose Jaw in order to get an estimate on the cost of staking your land.

Dustin Miller is the president of Milltek Surveys Limited. His firm offers residential and commercial land surveying services in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. To ensure that you have the most accurate land survey, please visit http://www.millteksurveys.com/