Planning a Fence, Shed, or Garage? Why Property Line Surveys Matter
Adding a new fence, detached garage, storage shed, or other outdoor structure can improve both the functionality and value of your property. However, before construction begins, it's essential to know exactly where your property lines are located. A professional property line survey provides accurate boundary information that helps homeowners and contractors avoid costly mistakes, legal disputes, and project delays.
If you're planning an exterior improvement, investing in a property line survey before construction can save significant time, money, and frustration.
What Is a Property Line Survey?
A property line survey is performed by a licensed land surveyor to identify and mark the legal boundaries of your property. Using historical records, legal descriptions, and modern surveying equipment, the surveyor determines the precise location of your property corners and boundary lines.
A survey may also identify:
- Existing fences and structures
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Utility corridors
- Encroachments
- Setback requirements
This information provides a reliable foundation for planning any new construction project.
Avoid Building on a Neighbor's Property
One of the biggest risks of skipping a property line survey is accidentally placing a structure across a property boundary. Even a few inches can create significant problems if a fence, shed, driveway, or garage extends onto a neighboring lot.
Potential consequences include:
- Legal disputes
- Costly relocation of the structure
- Delays in selling your home
- Boundary disagreements with neighbors
- Unexpected legal expenses
Knowing your exact property lines before construction helps eliminate these risks.
Understand Local Setback Requirements
Most municipalities have zoning regulations that require structures to be built a certain distance away from property lines. These setback requirements help ensure adequate spacing between buildings and maintain neighborhood standards.
A property line survey helps verify that your planned project complies with local regulations before construction begins, reducing the likelihood of permit issues or required modifications later.
Build Fences with Confidence
Fence installation is one of the most common reasons homeowners request a property survey. While an existing fence may appear to mark the boundary, it isn't always located on the actual property line.
A survey allows contractors to install fencing in the correct location while avoiding future disagreements with adjacent property owners.
Ensure Proper Placement of Sheds and Garages
Detached garages and storage sheds represent a significant investment. Relocating one after construction can be expensive and time-consuming if it's discovered to be too close to—or over—a property line.
Before pouring a foundation or placing a prefabricated structure, verify:
- Property boundaries
- Required setbacks
- Utility easements
- Drainage considerations
- Access requirements
Planning ahead helps ensure your investment remains protected.
Identify Easements Before You Build
Many residential properties contain utility or drainage easements that limit where permanent structures can be placed. Building within an easement may interfere with utility access or violate local regulations.
A property survey identifies these areas so you can adjust your project before construction begins.
Schedule Your Next Property Line Survey Today
Whether you're installing a decorative fence, constructing a detached garage, or adding a backyard storage shed, a professional property line survey is one of the smartest investments you can make before construction begins. Thankfully, the certified team at White Land Surveying is standing by to provide support! No matter the nature of your upcoming application, our surveying team is standing by to support property owners across the Jamestown, NY and Erie, PA regions. All you have to do is contact one of our friendly representatives to get started!
