Where to get a survey map so that I can build a fence? (HOA, insurance)

[caryhouse]

I want to build a fence in the backyard. The HOA management asked me for a survey map to show them where I will have it built. The Wake County Registry only has a subdivision map. My neighbor said the HOA management company may have one but why the people there asked me for one? Where do you get your survey map?

[MikeJaquish]

You should have had the lot surveyed when you bought the property. Check your records for a survey.

If not, you will need a new survey.
Hire a licensed surveyor to give you a plan and mark the boundaries so you stay on your own property and know of any easements.

[underPSI]

Would a printed map from iMAPS not suffice?

[NoneOfThis]

We did not survey when we bought, but had to do survey to satisfy HOA requirements for major landscaping project. I'm glad we did. We gained a foot or more on both sides, on one side allowing us to claim more land, and on the other side showing that the neighbor's beds encroached on our land. No problems-no big deal, but I'm glad we had it done before further defining backyard with hardscaping. A fence is serious business-do it right.

P.S. We paid about $400-450 for survey.

[poppydog]

A survey is recommended to make sure you're on the line. It could save you a lot of time and effort to do it right the first time.

We didn't survey for our fences, but got the approval of the neighbors and agreement on the line, but that's not the safest way to go. It's worked out for us so far, but we have neighbors that have lived next door for 20-30 yrs and aren't likely to move anytime soon. We also don't have a HOA.

[RDUBiker]

We did conservative estimates when doing our fence and lost several feet of land. I would spend the money to get a survey if I did it again. Now my wife wants to move the fence but I don't want to spend the money on that.

[don6170]

Originally Posted by NoneOfThis

We did not survey when we bought

Did you pay cash? I thought lenders required a survey, just like they require an appraisal.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by don6170

Did you pay cash? I thought lenders required a survey, just like they require an appraisal.

Nope. Lenders do not.
Particularly in a modern subdivision.

So, since it is not required, many buyers take the exclusion on their title insurance and self-insure (probably without understanding the possible exposure) for encroachments or other issues that a surveyor would uncover.
Penny wise, pound foolish.

[NoneOfThis]

Lender did not require and we were relieved to have an item marked off to-do list. We really didn't think about it at the time. We did it within three years though, and no harm done overall. When it was done, the landscapers spray painted our property lines a hot pink. The paint lasted through the winter, making it memorable for the neighbors on all sides.

I highly recommend a survey at purchase, fence or no fence in the works. We won't buy again without one.

[kelly237]

Don't most lots have corner stakes..If so then isn't it a matter of connecting the straight line between the stakes..We marked 40 acres this way on a Va farm..