The $15,000 Mistake One New Homeowner Almost Made
Picture this: After months of searching, you finally close on a perfect vacant lot in an established neighborhood. Houses are built on either side, fences are in place, and you’re ready to build your dream home. You hire a builder and start planning—only to discover that your neighbor’s fence, yard, irrigation system, and part of their patio are actually on your property.
This isn’t a hypothetical scenario—it happened to a recent SiteFacts client. Their neighbor’s property encroached a full 7 feet onto their newly purchased 50-foot-wide lot. On a narrow infill lot where every foot matters for building plans, this wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a potential disaster.
Why did this happen? They skipped a crucial step in the land buying process: getting a proper boundary survey before purchasing the property.
Why Fences and Visual Boundaries Can’t Be Trusted
When buying land for building, many first-time buyers make a dangerous assumption: that existing fences, walls, or landscape features accurately mark property lines. This belief is not only incorrect but can lead to:
- Unusable portions of land you’ve paid for but can’t access
- Expensive legal battles with neighbors over boundary disputes
- Significant construction delays while resolving property line issues
- Unpleasant neighbor relationships from day one
- Unexpected costs to move structures, fences, or landscaping
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, boundary disputes are among the most common legal issues in residential construction, with an estimated 20% of homeowners experiencing some form of boundary conflict during their homeownership.
What Exactly Is a Land Survey and Why Is It Critical?
A boundary survey is a professional service that accurately identifies and marks the legal boundaries of your property. A licensed surveyor will:
- Research existing property records and legal descriptions
- Locate and verify property corner monuments (pins)
- Measure and mark the exact boundaries of your land
- Identify any encroachments or boundary issues
- Produce official documentation of your property’s boundaries
While a survey might cost between $500-$2,000 depending on your location and lot size, this investment is minimal compared to the potential costs of boundary disputes after purchase.
Real-Life Pain Points From Skipping the Survey
Here’s what real homeowners have experienced after skipping this crucial step:
“We budgeted for the house but had no idea the survey would cost $2,000+ or that moving the neighbor’s fence would cost another $5K. These ‘little’ boundary issues added up to over $15K we didn’t plan for.”
“The worst part was having to approach our new neighbors about their fence being 5 feet onto our property. They’d lived there for years and were hostile from day one, making us feel like the bad guys.”
Beyond Fences: Other Boundary Issues to Watch For
Property pins and legal boundaries aren’t your only concern. A thorough land survey will also identify:
Easements and Setbacks
Portions of your property that may be legally unusable due to utility easements or local setback requirements. These can significantly reduce your buildable area.
Adverse Possession Risks
In many states, if someone uses your land openly for a specified period (typically 5-20 years), they may gain legal rights to it through adverse possession or prescriptive easements.
Encroachments
Structures, driveways, or other improvements that cross property lines in either direction.
The Right Time for a Land Survey: Before You Buy
The optimal time to conduct a boundary survey is before closing on the property. This timing gives you:
- Negotiating power to address any issues with the seller
- The option to walk away if problems are too severe
- Accurate information for planning your build
- Documentation for potential title insurance claims
How to Protect Yourself: A Pre-Purchase Checklist
Follow these steps to avoid boundary-related headaches:
- Make the purchase contingent upon a satisfactory boundary survey
- Verify property pins with a licensed surveyor before closing
- Check county records for the official plat map
- Compare survey results with the legal description in your paperwork
- Address any discrepancies before finalizing the purchase
When Property Pins Tell a Different Story Than Fences
For our client with the 7-foot encroachment, the situation required difficult conversations with new neighbors, additional legal fees, and construction delays. Had they discovered this issue before purchase, they could have:
- Negotiated a lower purchase price
- Required the seller to resolve the boundary issue
- Been financially prepared for the additional costs
- Avoided awkward neighbor relationships from the start
Conclusion: Don’t Skip This Critical Step
When building your dream home, the foundation of a successful project begins with knowing exactly what land you own. A professional boundary survey is not an optional expense—it’s essential protection for what is likely one of the largest investments you’ll ever make.
At SiteFacts, we’ve seen too many clients face expensive and stressful boundary disputes that could have been avoided with proper due diligence. Contact our team today for guidance on preparing for your build, including recommendations for reputable surveyors in your area.
Remember: Good fences make good neighbors—but only when they’re in the right place.
Have you experienced boundary issues with your property? Share your story in the comments below or schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your building plans.
