10/02/2026
Most property line disputes don't start with a mistake. They start with an assumption. 🏡
Replacing an old fence? Aligning your project to a tree line or where the previous owner said the boundary was? That "close enough" guess can cost you time, money, and a good relationship with your neighbors.
Top Rail Fence recently contributed to a Home Living Handbook article on how to prevent these disputes before you break ground. A few key takeaways:
Confirm your boundary with a property survey before ordering materials
Remember that posts, footings, and gates can all count as encroachments
Understand setbacks and local requirements early
Talk to your neighbors before the digging starts
A short pause to verify the line is almost always cheaper than moving a finished fence.
What's your go-to tip for keeping fence projects neighbor-friendly?