Who's On The Good Side Of Your New Fence?
When you install a new fence, you may also want to consider the needs of your surrounding neighbors. Not only will you keep up your neighborly relationships by doing so, but you can also prevent issues arising down the road. The best way to keep you on the right side of your neighbors is to follow some fencing etiquette rules before fencing installation.
Define Property Lines
Maybe the overgrown grass looks like a property divide between you and your next-door property, but - Are you sure where your property begins and ends? Check out your house's plat (the drawing that maps out your land). If you cannot find this in your home, they often can be found free at the record's office of your local county. Another option is to hire a land surveyor, who will be able to define your property lines and keep you and your neighbors at ease.
Chat with Your Neighbors
As long as you stay in your property lines and the fence complies with neighborhood code and regulations, you aren't required to talk to your neighbors about a new fence build. That being said, it's still courteous to ask! Here are a couple of areas where talking to your neighbor about your new fence is to your benefit:
1. Could save you on future legal issues - if you present the new fence idea to your neighbor and any code or regulations that go with it, you might not have to explain yourself later if someone were to try to dispute it.
2. You can collaborate - if your neighbor is also thinking about putting in a new fence, maybe you can get on the same page and work on the project together.
3. You can save money - Ask to split costs, and now you have a project that you like, your neighbor is happy about, and you spent less on just by working together!
Consider A "Good Neighbor Fence"
A common practice is having the nice or finished version of your fence face outward (what your neighbors and anyone from the street sees). This means that sometimes you're left with the not as impressive side in your backyard, think nails, and non-finished fence boards. The reason is that home value is often based on what people see from the outside and not as much from the inside of the fence. If you install them the other way around, it might look like your fence was installed backward.
There are fences in which both sides are finished, often called a "good neighbor fence." They will not only wow anyone on the outside, but also you on the inside. Don't you love win-win situations?!
Maintain Your Fence Regularly
When your fence paint starts to chip or fade, fix it! Keep your fence clean regularly, to keep it from rotting or housing too many creepy critters. Not only will you benefit in the long run, but you'll be a star neighbor by keeping your fence pretty and clean - positively influencing your (and neighboring) property value.
Some fences require more maintenance than others, so don't get a super fancy wood fence if you don't think you'll be able to keep up with the cleaning and wood maintenance that comes with it. Try an aluminum or vinyl fence, or even darker colors on your fence, so dirt and dust aren't as visible.
Fencing etiquette doesn't come with a ton of to-dos, so as long as you communicate with your nearby neighbors often, and have everyone's best interest in mind - everyone should be able to be on the right side of your fence and which will keep you on everyone's good side!
If you're considering a fence or gate project in the Phoenix area, Sereno Fence builds custom fencing, fence repair, custom gates, gate repair, RV gates, horse corrals, pool fence, pool gates, custom welding, and wood fences. For more information, call (602) 481-1298 today!
