Property lines ensure that your real estate properties are protected. Typically, property lines are marked. This allows homeowners to make improvements to their property.
Knowing where your property ends can save you a headache later. When building a fence or another structure, it’s best to know where exactly you can or cannot build. There are multiple ways to find your property lines:
- Look at your deed: Most of the time, your property lines are outlined in your deed. You can find this within the property description. You can measure your land based on the landmarks stated in the property description. It may be helpful to mark each corner to ensure that your measured lines match the deed.
- Hire a professional: If you are unsure of your property lines, you may find it helpful to hire a professional land surveyor. They can make precise measurements to locate your property lines. This can help whether your land is an existing property or new property lines need to be drawn. After an original survey, a land surveyor often leaves markers in the ground to help dictate the lines. These markers are often metal and easy to detect over time.
- Look at the plat map: The United States General Land Office draws up plat maps. These maps are used for accurately showing distances and boundaries. They can also clearly show you the lot you own. Upon review, most people find that they own less land than they previously thought.
Building on someone else’s land, even inadvertently, can result in costly consequences. Learning exactly where your property ends and another’s begins can save you from a dispute in the long run. Before you make any improvements to your home or yard, take the time to review your property lines to avoid unexpected issues with your neighbors.