“How to Measure Your Property Line Before Installing a Fence
“How to Measure Your Property Line Before Installing a Fence
Blog Article
How to Measure Your Property Line Before Installing a Fence
Introduction
Thinking about installing a new fence? Great idea—but don’t grab your shovel just yet. One of the most important first steps is knowing exactly where your property line begins and ends. If you accidentally build on your neighbor’s land—even by a few inches—it can lead to legal trouble, neighbor disputes, or expensive removal costs.
In this post, we’ll show you how to properly measure your property line, what tools you’ll need, and when it’s smart to call in a pro before starting your fencing project.
???? 1. Why Property Lines Matter
Installing a fence even slightly off the property line can lead to:
- Disputes with neighbors
- Fines from your local government
- Delays in HOA approvals
- Forced fence removal (yes, even after installation)
✅ Proper boundary measurement = a legally compliant, stress-free build.
????️ 2. Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Property Line
???? Step 1: Get Your Property Plat or Survey
Your plat (also called a property survey or site plan) is a scaled drawing of your lot showing:
- Property boundaries
- Measurements (length & width of each side)
- Structures like your house, driveway, and any existing fences
????Where to find it:
- With your home closing documents
- At your county zoning or records office
- From your title company or real estate agent
???? Step 2: Locate the Property Pins
Most properties have metal pins or stakes buried at each corner of the lot. These mark the legal boundary.
How to find them:
- Use a metal detector (can be rented from a hardware store)
- Check along sidewalks or corners of the yard
- Dig carefully—pins are usually buried 6–12 inches deep
???? Each pin connects the imaginary boundary line between neighboring lots.
???? Step 3: Measure Between Pins
Once you've located two or more pins, you can use:
- A measuring tape (for smaller lots)
- A laser distance measurer (for long or angled properties)
- String and stakes to mark a straight line for reference
???? Compare your actual measurements to those listed on your plat. If they match, you're ready to plan your fence layout.
❗ 3. What If You Can’t Find Property Pins or Are Unsure?
If your pins are missing or your plat is unclear:
- Hire a licensed land surveyor
- Cost in Virginia ranges from $350–$700, depending on lot size
- You’ll get an accurate, stamped survey to submit for permits or HOA review
???? This is especially important if you’re installing a fence close to a boundary or in a tight space.
???? 4. What About Building Right on the Property Line?
While some neighbors agree to share a fence on the line, it’s legally safer to build just inside your own boundary (typically 2–6 inches).
Why?
- It ensures you’re not encroaching
- You won’t need your neighbor’s permission
- You keep full ownership and control of the fence
???? If building on the line, always get a written agreement from the neighbor.
???? 5. Bonus Tips Before You Build
- Call 811 before digging to avoid underground utility lines
- Check local fence codes (height, materials, and setbacks)
- Mark layout with string before starting installation
- Confirm HOA requirements if your community has one
???? Need help navigating codes or permits? We handle that too!
Build Your Fence with Confidence — and Accuracy
At Super Fabrications, we believe every great fence starts with a solid foundation—and that includes knowing where your yard truly begins and ends. We help homeowners across Northern Virginia measure, plan, and build fences legally and beautifully.
???? Call for a Property Line Fence Consultation: (888) 820‑6099
???? Visit: https://superfabrications.com
???? Serving Vienna, Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington & nearby areas Report this page