Important Things to Know About Fence Installation
Fence installation is a difficult project that requires attention every detail. For the long run it is important for your fence to be solid, level, straight and sturdy.
The type of fence material you choose is based on your budget, your style and the climate of your region. You should choose wood that can withstand severe weather if you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather.
Property Survey
If you're planning to build a fence on your property, it's important to have an assessment done prior to begin the process. This will ensure that you are aware of the boundaries and to keep from encroaching on the boundaries of your neighbors' property, which could lead to numerous issues in the future.
A land survey is an in-depth map showing the dimensions of your parcel as well as the topography. It also shows any structures or buildings on the property , as well as any easements that could be in the area.
A licensed land surveyor will typically complete the survey. This may include researching various documents relating to your property. These include tax maps, deeds and previous surveys that have been filed with the county seat.
After the surveyor has determined the dimensions of your property, they will begin marking different points on your land using stakes. These could include corners, driveways walkways, walls as well as fences, pools and hedgerows.
This procedure is lengthy and requires skilled experts to complete. They will make use of their experience, crew and professional equipment to accurately determine the boundaries of your property.
Having a land survey done prior to the construction of your fence will help you avoid any potential conflicts with neighbors and save money in the long term. It will also allow you to adhere to any local laws that require a property survey. This can help prevent fines and legal issues later on.
A property survey can also reveal the exact dimensions of your land, which is a crucial component of the fence process. It will also show you the places where wires and pipes might be located, which could aid in the design of your fence.
If you're having difficulty finding your property line, or don't have a recent map of it, it is worth reaching out to the previous owner to find out where the survey is. It could be already in their possession or have a copy of it on file with the home's closing paperwork.
Property Lines
If you're building fencing it's essential to know where the property lines are. If you don't, you'll end up in legal trouble with your neighbor or with the city, and you might need to tear down your fence.
To determine where your property line is, you can use existing documentation or a survey of land. These documents can be found at the local county record or assessor's office. You can also find them online, but you may need to pay a modest cost.
Once you have a clear idea of your property lines you can begin to mark your fence line. You can do this yourself with a tape measure and a compasses or hire a professional to finish the job for you.
You can also look on the local government's website for an outline of your property line. The maps are typically found in the maps section of the website. GIS maps are aerial photos of a house that show the location of property lines.
However the images aren't always correct and could be incorrect. Sometimes property lines don't align properly because they're overlayed on an image.
Instead of relying on information from your local government, it could be beneficial to engage an expert surveyor licensed to identify your property lines and make sure that they are properly established prior to you begin construction. Although this kind of survey is costly, it will save you both time and money in the long run.
Another option is to negotiate an agreement on a lot line with your neighbor. This legally binding option can assist you in settling disputes without getting into expensive litigation.
A lot line agreement is a fantastic option for determining the proper location of your property lines in case you're having trouble locating them on your own or with the assistance of a surveyor. This approach is also useful for those who have neighbors who are friendly and willing to work together.
After you have your property lines, it is best to get your neighbors to discuss plans to construct fences. This will help avoid unneeded issues and give everyone the chance to feel comfortable with the fence.
Building Permit
It is crucial to understand the requirements for building permits in your region in case you intend to install fencing. These rules differ for each municipality and may affect everything from the design of fence to its height.
Typically, you'll need a building permit for every construction project that is more than a slight change or addition to the existing structure, such as new structures and modifications to existing structures. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
A permit is required for replacing fencing you've installed previously. If your fence was constructed in compliance with local regulations, then you have no need for an approval for building to replace it.
The process for building permits can be lengthy however, it's essential to ensure that your fence is constructed in a safe manner and is compliant with the code. A fence permit can save you from unnecessary delays, costly errors and other problems down the road.
While installing a fence can be an exciting project for many homeowners, it's vital to be aware of the local building codes and permit requirements prior to you begin. Contact your city's building department and building inspector, or city hall to learn what the permit process entails for your particular area.
In West Chester, Pennsylvania, for instance, homeowners may be required to obtain a building permit for any fences that are greater than six feet tall. This is applicable to backyard picket and privacy fences in the front yard.
Based on where fencing installation cost live there could be other restrictions that apply to your fencing based on the kind of material it's constructed from and the place it's constructed. For example, if you're in a crowded area there may be a need to follow specific laws that govern fence height, placement and design.
If your fence will be situated in close proximity to water bodies, you could need to apply for a permit. This is particularly relevant if your fence will be situated close to an area of water like a community spa or pool.
Plat Map
It is essential to know the legal boundaries of your land before you start thinking about building fence. This information is available in a document referred to as the plat map. You can find plat maps at your local public records office.
Plat maps are a crucial element of any real estate transaction. They offer a thorough overview of plots of land and their boundaries and easements, flood zones and nearby streets. If you are having a disagreement about property lines with your neighbor, they could be a great resource.
When reading a platmap, start by finding the legend for the symbol, which will explain what each number and letter means. Then, look for the directionally an arrow (pointing towards north) and the scale. These symbols can be found at the top of your map, or to the left or right of each plot box.
A plat map is a rectangular box that follows roads. Each plot is a part of the many. It is comprised of a lot number and an area in square feet. The parcel number is within the boundary of the plot and the house number is located just beyond the boundary on the street line.
A plat map also reveals easements that are connected to the area, including public utility easements, ingress and egress easements, and easements for right of way. This will allow you to avoid crossing over the property of others.
The plat maps can also show you where the closest nature preserves are situated and, if they exist. This is particularly useful in the event that you intend to build your home near protected trees or wetlands. It can assist you in making the right decision on where to build your home.
If you're looking to buy a new home, installing a fence or doing research for your family tree, having a plat map on hand will save you time and money down the road. It can also be used to navigate irregular-shaped lots that are difficult to navigate without a visual reference.