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Planning to Build a Fence? Here’s Why You Need a Land Survey First

A Fence Can Protect Your Property—or Start a Legal Dispute

Building a new fence may seem like a simple home improvement project. But without knowing your exact property lines, that new fence can easily become a source of tension—or even a lawsuit—with your neighbors.

At South Texas Surveying, we help homeowners and property managers across Houston, Conroe, Tomball, and Katy protect their investment and avoid disputes by providing accurate boundary surveys before a single post goes in the ground.

Why You Should Never Rely on the Old Fence Line

Many people assume the current fence is accurate—but in reality:

• The original fence may have been built without a survey

• Property lines may have shifted in legal descriptions

• Old fences often drift over time due to land movement, repairs, or tree growth

• Neighboring structures may cross onto your land (or vice versa)

A land survey is the only way to legally verify where your property ends and your neighbor’s begins.

Types of Surveys for Fence Projects

✅ Boundary Survey

This confirms the legal lot lines and corners of your property using deed records, plat maps, and on-site fieldwork.

✅ Improvement Location Survey

Includes the location of existing fences, sheds, and other structures to identify potential encroachments or conflicts.

✅ Subdivision or Plat Survey

Needed when the property is being split or combined, or when the parcel is in an unplatted subdivision.

Real Example: Preventing a Costly Mistake in Pearland

A homeowner in Pearland began installing a $12,000 wrought-iron fence. Halfway through, the city stopped the work—claiming it was built across a drainage easement. We were brought in, and after performing a boundary and easement survey, we confirmed the issue and helped the homeowner redraw the fence line—saving the project and avoiding fines.

Benefits of Surveying Before Fence Installation

• ✅ Prevent legal disputes with neighbors

• ✅ Avoid city fines and stop-work orders

• ✅ Ensure fences are placed inside your property lines

• ✅ Help contractors build to code and avoid utility conflicts

• ✅ Maximize usable space on your lot

Who Needs This Survey?

• Homeowners adding or replacing fences

• Landlords maintaining multi-family properties

• HOAs and property management groups

• Realtors preparing a home for sale

• New homebuyers wanting to confirm their boundaries

Areas We Serve for Residential Fence Surveys

• Houston – including the Heights, Midtown, and East End

• The Woodlands, Conroe & Magnolia

• Cypress, Tomball & Spring

• Pearland, Manvel & Friendswood

• Katy, Fulshear & Richmond

Why Choose South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Local knowledge of Houston-area property records

• ✅ Fast, responsive turnaround for urgent projects

• ✅ Professional, licensed surveyors

• ✅ Clear and easy-to-read reports that your fence contractor can use directly

• ✅ Trusted by homeowners, real estate pros, and HOAs

Before you dig post holes, call a professional. A land survey from South Texas Surveying protects your investment, your peace of mind, and your property line.