What should I check about a fence company’s survey and property line records?

Property line errors are among the costliest mistakes a fence builder can make, so look closely at the process. Ask whether the company works from a survey provided by the owner, from markers on site or from the owner’s say-so. See a few job files to check that the survey documents were collected, copied and signed by the customer before work began.

Next, ask about disputes. Has the company ever built on the wrong line, or had a neighbour object? What happened, who paid for the fix and how long did it take? Look at how the contract allocates responsibility for location, since a clear clause protects the company and a vague one may leave you carrying the cost. Your lawyer can read it and tell you how it works.

Finally, see how records are kept. A company that stores each job’s survey, photos and signed instructions can defend itself if a question comes up years later. Ask how long files are kept and where. If the seller’s paperwork is incomplete, ask what you would need to change after closing, and check with your insurer about how placement errors are covered. Ask what the company does when the customer cannot supply a survey, since that is where most placement problems begin.

Key takeaways

• Ask how the company confirms the property line before building, and who signs off.
• Review any past disputes for cause, cost and how long they took to resolve.
• Check that each job file holds the survey, photos and signed instructions.