How Do Milwaukee Fence Companies Find Property Lines?
When you want to build a new fence on your property, one of the most important considerations is ensuring the new structure rests within the boundaries of your property. Building the fence even just a few inches past your property line can result in costly fines, extra work, and other issues you can easily avoid by finding and marking the boundary lines before starting the project.
How do fence companies find property lines? They have multiple resources for getting this information, and it usually doesn’t take too long. Yutka Fence, the top-rated fence company in Milwaukee, explains how fence installers determine property lines to ensure any fence they put in doesn’t encroach on a neighbor’s land or fail to comply with city regulations.
Can I Use an Existing Fence as the Property Line?
Many homeowners wonder whether the fence company needs to do a survey or find property records to locate boundary lines if the home has an existing fence. This is somewhat of a gray area, but most legal experts recommend getting confirmation before starting the process. Unless you have an up-to-survey that shows the existing fence and that you own it, there could be a dispute as to whether you have the right to replace it.
There have been cases in which Milwaukee homeowners try to replace their fences, only to discover that the original structure is actually on someone else’s property. There are also cases in which homeowners inadvertently install a fence on land owned by the city or state, such as a fence in front of a home. Current documentation of the property lines can eliminate the chance for disputes and costly errors.
Where Fence Companies Can Acquire Property Information in Milwaukee
How do fence companies find property lines? They can use several methods.
Property Markers
Some properties have physical markers delineating the boundary lines. These are metal pins in the ground that create an outline of the parcel of land. Although this is the easiest way to find the property line, it’s also the most inaccurate because the pins can shift or sink into the ground, or a utility company may remove or relocate them to run lines.
Real Estate Documents
The deed to your property may contain enough information for the fence company to determine your property line. The legal description of the property in the deed often contains measurements and reference objects (like a tree) that the fence company can use to determine the property line.
If you’re still paying a mortgage on your home, you’ll need to request a copy of the deed from the lender. The county recorder will also have a copy of the information. Keep in mind, though, that if your yard is different than it was when you purchased your home (for example, if you cut down trees or added a shed), the survey may no longer be accurate, and the company cannot use the information.
Plat Maps
Subdivisions and towns have plat maps or documents with specific measurements and boundaries for every parcel of land. These maps have detailed diagrams and precise measurements of each property. Using this information, experienced fence installers can triangulate the location of the boundary lines with exceptional accuracy and reliability.
You can find plat maps online, from developers, or at the Milwaukee city planning office.
Land Survey
If you cannot obtain a copy of your home’s survey from the property’s previous owners or it’s not in your real estate records, you can hire a professional land surveyor to take measurements and mark your property line. The surveyor will provide you with up-to-date documents that you can use for permitting or to settle any disputes.
Hiring a surveyor is the most expensive option for locating property lines, but it’s the most accurate option. If there is any potential for a dispute regarding your new fence, getting a current report is a good way to prevent problems.
Get Expert Help From Yutka Fence
High-quality, reliable fencing is the top priority for Yutka Fence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and that means making sure to perform due diligence before every project. Whether installing a new wood, vinyl, or aluminum fence, the team always confirms property boundaries before starting work.
If you need more information related to “How do fence companies find property lines?” or want to explore options for a new fence on your Milwaukee property, get in touch with Yutka Fence for a consultation and estimate. With their professional help, you can get a high-quality fence from local experts with a reputation for excellence.