If you are considering a new fence for your property in Athens, Gainesville, or Flowery Branch, the answer to whether you should get a survey before installation is simple. Yes. At Select Fence Group, we always require a property survey before building any fence. While it may seem like an extra step, a survey ensures your fence is installed correctly, legally, and safely. Taking this step saves you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

In this guide, we will explain why a survey is essential, how it protects your property, and what homeowners in Northeast Georgia should do before beginning a fence project.

Why Select Fence Group Requires a Survey

1. Confirm Property Boundaries

The most important reason for a survey is to know exactly where your property begins and ends. Many homeowners assume property lines based on old fences, landscaping, or neighbor memory. Even a few inches over the property line can result in disputes, legal action, or decreased property value.

A survey provides accurate measurements of your lot and ensures your new fence stays entirely on your property. At Select Fence Group, we never begin construction without this critical step.

Learn more about our residential fence installation services in Northeast GA.

2. Comply with Local Zoning and Permit Requirements

Northeast Georgia has municipal regulations that affect fence installation. For example:

• Athens may limit front yard fence heights and require permits.
• Gainesville may have rules about setbacks from sidewalks, streets, or drainage areas.
• Flowery Branch may have aesthetic or HOA requirements.

A survey ensures your fence placement complies with all local rules, preventing fines, removal orders, or redesigns. By requiring a survey, Select Fence Group helps homeowners navigate these regulations smoothly.

Learn more about zoning in Athens, GA

3. Identify Easements and Utility Lines

Many properties in Northeast Georgia have utility easements that allow companies legal access for maintenance or installation. Without a survey, you could build a fence over these easements, leading to removal, delays, or safety hazards.

A survey identifies all easements and utility lines so your fence is placed legally and safely.

4. Prevent Disputes With Neighbors

Fence disputes are common. Even small encroachments can escalate into neighbor complaints or legal disputes. By requiring a survey before any project, Select Fence Group ensures the fence is installed accurately within your property lines. This minimizes conflicts and keeps relationships with neighbors positive.

5. Account for Irregular Lots and Complex Terrain

Many properties in Athens, Gainesville, and Flowery Branch have irregular lot shapes or unique features such as hills, streams, or landscaping obstacles. A survey provides precise measurements and topography, helping contractors plan a fence that is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

Steps to Take Before Installing a Fence

At Select Fence Group, the process for ensuring a survey is completed includes several steps.

1. Check for Existing Surveys

If you recently purchased your home, there may already be a survey in your closing documents. Reviewing an existing survey can save time and money. Look for property corners, easements, and boundary lines. Make sure the survey is recent and reflects your current lot.

You can learn more about surveys here: What Homeowners Should Know About Surveys

2. Hire a Licensed Surveyor

If no survey exists or it is outdated, hire a licensed surveyor in Northeast Georgia. A surveyor will precisely measure your property lines, identify easements, utility lines, and obstacles, and provide a certified document suitable for permits and fence planning.

Survey costs typically range from $300 to $700 for standard residential lots, depending on size and complexity.

3. Share the Survey With Your Fence Contractor

Once the survey is complete, provide it to your fence contractor. At Select Fence Group, we use survey data to position posts accurately, ensure fences meet local codes and setbacks, and avoid encroaching on easements or neighboring properties. This coordination ensures that your fence is installed correctly the first time.

Common Mistakes When Skipping a Survey

Even experienced homeowners can make errors if they try to skip the survey process:

1. Assuming the boundaries: Old fences, landscaping, or neighbor suggestions can be inaccurate.
2. Ignoring easements: Fences over utility easements may need to be removed.
3. Overlooking local ordinances: Height restrictions and setbacks may not be obvious.
4. Misjudging lot features: Hills, slopes, or irregular shapes can make fence placement challenging.
5. Strained neighbor relationships: A fence on the wrong property line can lead to conflicts or lawsuits.

By requiring a survey, Select Fence Group ensures these issues never occur.

Benefits of Always Getting a Survey

1. Peace of mind knowing exactly where your fence belongs.
2. Legal protection with compliance to local rules and easements.
3. Accurate installation with perfectly aligned posts, gates, and fence lines.
4. Long-term savings by avoiding removal, relocation, or fines.
5. Enhanced property value with a professionally installed fence that respects boundaries.

Learn more about our residential fencing solutions in Northeast Georgia.

Case Study: Athens Fence Installation

A homeowner in Athens wanted a privacy fence along their backyard but was unsure of the exact boundary. By completing a survey, they discovered a five-foot discrepancy in perceived property lines. Using the survey data, Select Fence Group installed the fence accurately and legally, preventing neighbor disputes and ensuring proper placement.

This case highlights why we always require a survey. Even small measurement errors can have major consequences.

FAQs About Surveys and Fence Installation

Can I skip a survey and still install a fence?
Technically yes, but it is highly risky. Select Fence Group requires a survey for every project to prevent legal disputes, easement issues, and installation errors.

How long does a survey take?
Most residential surveys are completed within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on property size and complexity.

How much does a survey cost in Northeast Georgia?
Surveys typically range from $300 to $700, with higher costs for larger or complex properties.

What type of survey is best for fence installation?
A boundary survey is essential for all fence projects.

Does Select Fence Group help with surveys?
Yes. We coordinate with licensed surveyors and use the survey results to install your fence accurately and in compliance with local regulations.

Conclusion

If you are planning a fence in Athens, Gainesville, or Flowery Branch, the answer is clear. Yes, you should always get a survey before installation. A survey ensures your fence is placed accurately, complies with local rules and easements, and avoids disputes with neighbors.

At Select Fence Group, we always require a survey before starting any fence project. This guarantees precise installation, protects your property, and ensures your fence lasts for years without issues.

Ready to build a fence the right way? Contact Select Fence Group today to schedule your consultation and survey coordination. Protect your property, save time, and get the fence you want done correctly the first time.