Yeah, getting a survey done is definitely worth the investment. We had something similar happen—our neighbor's shed was technically on our property by nearly a foot. Thankfully, they were cool about it, and we sorted things out pretty easily.
To your question about conflicting surveys...it actually happens more than you'd think. Usually, both surveyors will first compare notes and see where the discrepancy is coming from—sometimes it's just a minor measurement error or outdated reference points. If that doesn't clear things up, mediation is usually the next step before anyone jumps into legal battles. Courts aren't exactly eager to deal with fence-line drama, lol.
Honestly, best thing you can do is keep open communication with neighbors and share your survey results early. Most people prefer working it out over coffee rather than in front of a judge...
I get what you're saying about mediation and keeping things friendly, but honestly, surveys can get pricey fast. When I bought my place, I skipped the professional survey and just went off old property markers and county records. Saved me a decent chunk of change, and I've never had an issue. Not saying it's for everyone—especially if you're already suspecting boundary issues—but sometimes common sense and a bit of neighborly goodwill go a long way...
"sometimes common sense and a bit of neighborly goodwill go a long way..."
True, goodwill can solve a lot. But I had a client who skipped the survey too—ended up with a fence dispute years later. Cost him way more in legal fees than any survey would have. Just something to consider...
Goodwill's great, but have you checked your deed or property records yet? Sometimes the boundaries are clearly described there, and it might save you from headaches later. I had neighbors who got along fine for years until one decided to build a shed... suddenly everyone cared about where the line was. Surveys aren't cheap, but they're cheaper than lawyers. Maybe worth looking into before something comes up?
"I had neighbors who got along fine for years until one decided to build a shed... suddenly everyone cared about where the line was."
This is exactly why I ended up biting the bullet and getting a survey done a couple years ago. When we first moved in, our neighbor casually mentioned that the fence "might" be a foot or two over the line, but he wasn't worried about it. Fast forward three years, he sold his place, and the new guy was suddenly very interested in every inch of property he owned. It got awkward fast. Thankfully, we had the survey paperwork handy, and it turned out we were actually fine—phew.
Honestly, it's one of those things you don't think about until it becomes a problem. Yeah, surveys aren't cheap, but I sleep better knowing exactly where my property ends and theirs begins. Better safe than sorry...and definitely cheaper than dealing with lawyers later on.
