I recently closed on a townhome and, unfortunately, waived the land survey report. Now that I'm planning to install a fence, I'm concerned that it might end up outside my property line, which would definitely not be good. I'm uncertain about the HOA's approval process regarding this; they might want proof of my property lines before I can go ahead with the installation. Additionally, there's a tree blocking the area where I want the fence to go, so I need to factor in costs for trimming that tree and maybe even installing root barriers to prevent future damage to the fence. Considering this, do I have to get a land survey before moving forward, or are there alternative options? Overall, I'm already looking at a few hundred dollars for the tree work, and from what I've seen, surveys go for $400-$700. It's all becoming quite pricey!
3 Answers
It's essential to not skip the survey, as it helps you avoid potentially costly problems down the line. Even though your permit might not legally require it, having that clarity can save you a headache, especially if your neighbors start flagging issues. You might also want to check for any survey pins in your yard yourself—just make sure not to overlook it. And definitely consider planning for any gates now; I had to redo mine later, and it was such a hassle!
Starting with your HOA is a smart move! They might already have the property line data you need and can tell you if you can get a survey or if there's even a need to pay for one right now. Sometimes those survey markers are already there, so you could save some cash if you look around your property first. It's worth asking them to clarify exactly what your property lines are before you invest in a survey.
Yeah, getting a legal survey is really the way to go. Fences require accurate site plans, and your local rules about fencing can get pretty specific. Just remember, while your HOA guidelines are important, they won't override local regulations, so you want to make sure everything's above board. Spending the money to know where your property line is will save you far more in the long run if you need to adjust the fence later on.
Totally agree! Planning gate access is crucial, especially if you ever want to bring in larger equipment. Better to do it right the first time!