Owning property comes with some major responsibilities. On top of the usual tasks like upkeep, maintenance, and implementing safety precautions, an owner also has to understand where their property lines end and another's property begins. This knowledge can play a major role in what one is allowed to do with their land. Below are three important pieces of information every landowner should know about property lines.

What You Should Know About Property Lines

1. Fences Aren't Always Accurate

Looking out at the property you just purchased, you might see a fence denoting where one parcel of land begins and another ends. It's logical to assume that this is a realistic reflection of property lines and that you should be able to rely on the boundaries provided by a fence. However, many fences are not installed on the correct boundaries, and you may own more or less of the land in question, depending on where the real demarcations lie.

2. Easements Can Prevent You From Building on Your Land

Easements are typically granted automatically to utility companies, allowing them to use portions of the land in question for specific purposes, such as the installation of power lines. If a landowner wants to build a new structure on their property, they might be prevented from doing so by easements stipulated in the property title. This could be a costly misstep if you've already started or completed construction of a new building.

3. The Property Could Be in a Flood Zone

Maybe you’ve owned and lived in the same home for the last 20 years, and you've never had a problem with flooding or any other natural disaster. Then, you go to refinance your home, and you learn that flood insurance is now required on the property. Somewhere along the way, someone decided that your home sits in a flood zone. This often happens because flood maps used by management agencies are constantly changing, meaning your property may face a flood risk you weren't aware of.

The solution to any of the above issues is to obtain the guidance of a land surveying professional. Raber Surveying has been serving Baldwin County, Alabama, residents since 1999; they offer property line surveys, analysis of title commitments, and flood elevation certificates. Call (251) 975-7525, visit their website, or contact them on Facebook to schedule an appointment.