How can I locate my property lines?

Most fence contractors will stipulate in your contract that it is the property owners responsibilty to identify the property lines.

There are a few things you can do to locate the property line. In Alberta, if you have bought your home recently, you will have received a copy of what is called a Real Property Report (RPR). This report was made by a surveyor and will have the measurements of your property and it may also have the distances from the corners of a building to the property lines. This report is the least expensive and quickest way to locate the line.

You could look (dig) for the survey pins. If you live in a newer area there should be survey pins in the ground to mark the corners of your property. However, this is probably the least efficient method to locate the property line as these pins could be up to four feet down in some cases and there is no guarantee that they will be there or that you will find them.

You could call a survey company and have someone come out mark the lines for you. There will be a charge for this service (a couple hundred dollars in Alberta). You should be able to locate a surveyor in your local telephone book.

It is always a good idea to verify the location of the fence with your neighbors before construction begins. Click here to learn more about dealing with neighbors.

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