When it’s time to build a fence, it’s tempting to use the visible utility boxes—like those green electrical cabinets or concrete storm drains—as markers for your property lines. It seems logical. After all, utility companies must have put them at the corners of your lot, right?
Not exactly.
Utility companies typically have easement rights that give them around 10 feet of space along the edges of residential properties. This area is where they legally place their infrastructure—not where your property line starts or ends.
This creates a common issue in many neighborhoods: homeowners build fences using these boxes as reference points, only to find out later they’ve crossed into someone else’s land. It might match the mow lines or align with other fences, and it may even feel right—but that doesn’t make it correct!
Real Example:
A homeowner once built their fence flush with a telephone pedestal located near what they assumed was the back-right corner of their yard. Unfortunately, a property survey revealed the fence was almost four feet into the backyard of one neighbor and over two feet onto the property next door. While the homeowner briefly enjoyed a “bigger” backyard, the neighbors didn’t appreciate the unintentional land grab.
The Risk of Skipping a Professional Land Survey
Whenever you build a fence, install landscaping, or add a retaining wall without confirming your property boundaries, you risk future disputes—or being forced to remove or relocate what you built. The cost of fixing the mistake can be far more than the price of a proper survey.
The Solution: Get a Boundary Survey
The only reliable way to ensure you’re building on land that you actually own is to hire a professional to conduct a boundary survey. This simple step can save you money, avoid conflicts with neighbors, and give you peace of mind.
Protect your investment. Make It Known What You Own.
Cardinal Surveying would like the opportunity to earn your business. They service the greater St Louis Metro area, have been rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau since 2003, have surveyed over 35,000 properties and are a family-owned company who prides themselves on producing accurate results with exceptional customer service. They can be contacted via email at [email protected] or phone at 636.922.1001. They look forward to working with you for all your land surveying needs.