Five Fence Installation Lessons From Professionals

· 6 min read
Five Fence Installation Lessons From Professionals

Important Things to Know About Fence Installation

Fence installation is a complicated project that requires attention to every detail. You should ensure your fence is stable, level and straight for long time to come.

The type of fence material you pick depends on your budget, design, and the climate in your area. If you live in a place with severe weather it is important to select wood that is resistant to the elements.

Property Survey

If you are going to be installing a fence around your property, it's crucial to have a survey completed prior to do so. This will ensure you are aware of where the boundaries are, and don't end up encroaching upon the property lines of your neighbors which could cause many issues in the future.

A land survey is an in-depth map that shows the size of your property and the topography. It also shows any structures or buildings on the property , as well as any easements that might be in place.

A licensed land surveyor is usually able to prepare the survey. This may include looking through various documents related to your property. These include tax maps, deeds and previous surveys that have been filed in the local county seat.

Once the surveyor has established the dimensions of your property, they'll begin to mark various points on your land using stakes. These may include corners, driveways, walks and walls, fences, pools , and hedgerows.

The process can be very time-consuming and requires the expertise of experts. They will utilize their experience, crew and professional equipment to precisely determine the boundaries of your property.

A survey of land is a fantastic way to avoid potential conflicts with neighbors and save money over the long run. You'll also be able comply with any local laws that require a survey of your property.  how to install vinyl fence  can help prevent fines and legal issues later on.

A property survey will also give you the exact dimensions of your land. This is a crucial element of fencing. It can also indicate the locations where wires and pipes could be located, which could help in the construction of your fence.

If you're having trouble finding your property's boundary or don't have a current survey on file the best solution is to reach out to the previous owner of the property and ask where their survey is stored. It might already be in their possession, or they might have a copy in the home's closing documents.

Property Lines

It is crucial to know the boundaries of your property lines before you begin constructing fencing. You could end up in trouble with your city or neighbor and be forced to tear down your fence.

It is possible to use existing documents to determine the location of your property's boundary, or the survey. You can also find these documents at the county record office or assessor's office. You can also locate them online, but you may be required to pay a fee.

Once you've got an idea of the boundaries of your property, you can start staking out the fence line. You can either hire a professional or use tape measure and compass to do the job yourself.


A map of your property's boundaries can be located on the local government's website. The maps are typically found in the maps section of the website. GIS maps are aerial images of a property , which show the location of property lines.

The images may be misleading and may not be exact. Sometimes property lines do not match up properly because they're overlayed on an image.

Instead of relying solely on information from the local government, it could be worthwhile hiring an authorized surveyor to determine your property lines and ensure that they are in good order before you start construction. This kind of survey could cost a lot, but it will save you time and money in the long term.

Another alternative is to negotiate an agreement for a lot line with your neighbor. This legally binding option could aid in settling disputes without having to resort to expensive litigation.

If you're having trouble finding the exact location of your property lines on your own or with the assistance of a land surveyor, an agreement on the line of property can be a great solution. Additionally, this method is helpful if you have neighbors who are friendly with one another and want to work out an agreement.

Once you have the property line, it's an excellent idea to speak with your neighbors on your plans to build a fence. This will prevent any unneeded issues and give everyone the chance to feel comfortable with the fence.

Building Permit

If you're planning to put up fencing on your property, it's important to be aware of the building permit requirements in your area. The regulations may vary according to the municipality, but they will affect everything from the width of your fence up to the style.

A building permit is required for any construction project that requires more than minor changes or expansion of an existing structure. This includes the construction of new buildings and modifications to existing structures. There are exceptions to this rule.

One example is if you're replacing a fence you originally installed with a permit. If your fence was put up in accordance with the local regulations, then you have no need for a building permit in order to replace it.

The process for building permits is time-consuming, but it's necessary to ensure that your fence is constructed safely and meets code. A fence permit will help you avoid costly errors delays, and issues later.

While a fence installation is an exciting task for many homeowners, it's vital to be aware of local building code and permit requirements before you begin. For more information on the permit process in your area, contact your local building inspector, building inspector, or city hall.

For fences over six feet high, West Chester, Pennsylvania may require homeowners to obtain a building permit. This includes privacy fences for front yards and backyard fences made of picket.

Depending on where you reside, there may also be other restrictions for your fence, based on the kind of material it's made of and the area it's located. For instance, if you live in a densely populated neighborhood you might have to follow specific laws regarding fence height, location and style.

You may also need to obtain permission if your fence is going to be in close proximity to the body of water. This is particularly true if your fence will be located close to an area of water like a neighborhood spa or pool.

Plat Map

If you're thinking about building fencing around your property, you'll need to know the legal boundaries of your property. This information is found in a legal document known as a plat map. The plat maps are drawn to the scale of the map and are available at your local public records office.

Plat maps are an essential part of any real property transaction. They provide a complete view of the land plots and their boundaries. They're also a good resource for reference in case you're having an issue regarding property lines with your neighbor.

Begin by looking for the symbol legend. This will reveal what each letter or number means. Afterward, look for the directionally arrow (pointing towards north) and scale. These symbols can be found on the top of the map or to the left and right of each plot box.

A plat map depicts a rectangular box that follows roads. Each plot is one of. It has a lot number and an area number in square feet. The parcel number is located within an area bordered by. The house number is located outside the street's boundaries.

A plat map also shows easements that are attached to the area, such as public utility easements, ingress and egress easements, and easements for right of way. Knowing where these easements are will assist you in avoiding trespassing on the property of someone else.

Plat maps can show you the location of nearby nature preserves. This is particularly useful if you're planning build a home next to protected wetlands or trees in order for you to make the best possible decision about where your home should be located.

If you're looking to buy a new home, putting up fencing or conducting research for your family tree, having a map of your plat will save you time and money down the line. It can also be used to navigate odd-shaped lots that can be difficult without a visual guide.