The Importance of Accurate Property Lines Before Digging Post Holes

Welcome back to Digging Deeper with The Post Hole Company!

When it comes to post hole digging, whether it’s for fences, decks, or other outdoor structures, there’s one key factor that many homeowners overlook: accurate property lines. Installing your fence or deck in the right place isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a matter of legal responsibility. In this blog, we’ll dive into why identifying your property boundaries correctly is critical before breaking ground and how The Post Hole Company can assist you with this process.

Why Accurate Property Boundaries Matter

When you start a new outdoor project that involves digging, you must ensure that all posts and footings are installed on your side of the property. If you fail to do so, you could be violating your neighbors’ property rights, and the consequences of such mistakes can be costly, both legally and financially. 

Legal Ramifications:
Installing fence posts, deck footings, or any other permanent structure on someone else’s property, even by accident, can lead to a boundary dispute. In worst-case scenarios, this can result in lawsuits or even the need to tear down the structure, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, being on the wrong side of property lines may violate local zoning laws or Homeowners’ Association (HOA) regulations.

Avoiding Disputes:
One of the easiest ways to avoid a dispute is to communicate with your neighbors before you start digging. Sometimes, property lines can be confusing, especially if the landscape has changed over the years. Having an open conversation can clarify expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page.

How to Determine Accurate Property Lines

The best way to identify your property boundary is through an official land survey. A land surveyor will mark the corners of your property so that you know exactly where your land begins and ends. If you already have a land survey record, that’s a great starting point, but it may still be necessary to hire a professional if the markers aren’t clearly visible or haven’t been updated in years.

At The Post Hole Company, we always recommend using land survey records to ensure accuracy. For a nominal fee, we also offer hole layout services, where we plan out exactly where your fence posts or deck footings should go based on the legal boundary markers. This helps to guarantee that your new structure is 100% within your property lines.

Why It’s Dangerous to Skip a Survey

It might seem tempting to skip a survey to save time or money, but that’s a risk you don’t want to take. Here’s why:

• Inaccurate boundaries: Even if you think you know where the property line is, there’s always a chance it could be a few inches or even feet off from what you assume. Over time, things like landscaping or previous structures may have blurred the original lines.

• Future complications: Down the road, if your neighbor decides to sell their house, or if you want to sell yours, a property boundary dispute could arise. No one wants to deal with a legal issue when they’re already dealing with the stresses of buying or selling a home.

Don’t Forget Ontario 1 Call!

In addition to confirming property lines, don’t forget the critical step of contacting Ontario 1 Call before starting any digging project. They’ll mark the underground utilities to ensure that no power lines, gas pipes, or other crucial infrastructure are damaged during the digging process. Not only is this required by law, but it’s also a major safety precaution for your workers, property, and the surrounding area.

Conclusion

At The Post Hole Company, we pride ourselves on our expertise and dedication to getting your project done right the first time. Taking the time to ensure property lines are accurate and abiding by all legal requirements will save you time, money, and stress. We offer professional hole layout services and work with homeowners to ensure that all posts and footings are placed precisely where they belong.

So before you dig that first post hole, remember the importance of accuracy, both for your property and your peace of mind. For professional digging services and expert advice, contact The Post Hole Company today!