Property line disputes are one of the most common — and most preventable — sources of neighborhood conflict. They rarely come from bad intentions. They come from assumptions.
Top Rail Fence's Senior Franchise Operations Manager, Brad Ledford, recently shared his expert insight with the Home Living Handbook on exactly why these disputes happen and how homeowners can avoid them. Here are the key takeaways.
Verify your boundary before you build
Don't assume an old fence, tree line, or row of shrubs marks the true boundary. "Believing and knowing are two different things," Ledford noted. Before any project begins, review your boundary survey, local permit and zoning requirements, setback rules, and any HOA guidelines. If the line isn't clear, hire a licensed land surveyor — they're the only professional qualified to legally locate and document a property boundary.
It's also worth knowing that encroachment isn't always visible. Post footings, rails, or even a swinging gate can cross a boundary even when the fence looks properly placed.
What a fence contractor cannot do
A common misconception is that a fence contractor can establish your property line. "We cannot," said Ledford plainly. Top Rail Fence builds from the information homeowners provide and typically places fence lines four to six inches inside the documented boundary when conditions allow — but that's not a substitute for a proper survey. A permit doesn't verify your boundary either; only a licensed surveyor can do that.
Talk to your neighbor early
You may not need your neighbor's approval, but a quick conversation before construction starts goes a long way. Once materials arrive and crews are digging, it's much harder to address concerns calmly. Get ahead of it.
If a dispute arises mid-project
Stop and gather the facts. Review your documents, speak with your neighbor, notify your contractor, and bring in a surveyor if needed. As Ledford put it, "One of the most expensive fences you will ever build is the one you have to move."
Build with confidence
Starting your fence project on solid ground means knowing exactly where your property begins and ends. Top Rail Fence's experienced team works with you to design a fencing solution that fits your property's unique needs. Request a free estimate today.
