Homeowner Question: I'm installing a new fence, how do I know where the property line is?
/by Brian Huie on 2/13/2024
Answer: Ask neighbors and have the property surveyed.
Proper fences can keep the peace, avoid animosity, and preserve quality of life. Installing a fence in the wrong place can make lifelong enemies and cost you tens of thousands in legal fees. Sure you can replace a fence by installing a new fence in the original fence’s location, however there’s a risk that if a new neighbor moves in and doesn’t like it for any reason, finds out it’s encroaching on their property, they can remove it or worse, pay someone to remove it and stick you with the bill…to remove your fence you just built! This is true of our Seattle laws, surrounding Washington communities, and most jurisdictions in our country.
Before building or replacing that fence, ask your neighbors if they have ever hired a surveyor to map out their parcel - If so, they have received a physical or digital copy of their boundaries which will show neighboring landmarks and existing fences. Also, ask if the neighbor would like to share the costs and thus have a say in the style and material of the fence. If none of your neighbors has hired a surveyor to mark your corners and map out your boundaries, hire your own. DO NOT go off of anecdotal information or hearsay and do not use “surveying” apps - Hire a licensed/bonded/insured surveyor.
“Good fences make good neighbours” - Robert Frost
Reach out to me for my recommended surveyors! They will spend a day or two marking your property with “survey stakes” and drive rebar into the ground at the corners of your property. The surveyor may then take a week or two to produce a pdf and/or a physical copy to give to you.
Decide if this will be a shared fence or if it will be completely on your property for easier maintenance. I have a home with over a thousand linear feet of fencing ON the property line but asked neighbor neighbor if I may pay for the painting and maintenance on her side. In my primary residence in Seattle, I have a 100’ linear stretch that is 3’ on my property so that I can maintain both sides easily. But if the neighbor starts using any of that 300sq ft of property and does so uninterrupted for 10 years, I run the risk of losing it through “Adverse Possession”.
Let me know if you’d like a recommended fencing contractor or surveyor! Check out my pinterest board for fencing: https://pin.it/4Bg4zRQ1X
