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Don’t Let NEW Fence Be an Offense to Neighbors

New Fence

Don’t Let Your New Fence Be an Offense to Neighbors

 

There’s an old saying that good fences make good neighbors but try telling that to a homeowner whose yard has been encroached upon by a neighbor’s new fence. While there’s a lot to love about installing a fence on your property, it could result in anger and resentment if proper courtesy and etiquette is not followed. Here are several tips to make sure your fence won’t offend your neighbors.

 

Don’t Cross the Line

As a property owner, you have the right to make additions and adjustments to your lot. Those projects, however, need to be placed solely on your property. If a fence or other structure falls onto a neighbor’s plot, you could be forced to remove it at your own expense. We advise our clients to be on the safe side by hiring a surveyor to assess and clearly define property lines. Furthermore, if you’re already embroiled in a property dispute, it’s best to have that resolved before a fence installation creates more strife.

 

Keep Your New Fence Clean

We all know that a fence can boost curb appeal for a property, but if that fence is in a state of dilapidation and disrepair, it has the opposite effect. A forgotten fence’s busted rails, chipped paint, and sagging posts can send you and your neighbor’s property value plummeting. Always be a good fence neighbor by keeping a well-maintained fence. That means regularly washing it, and depending upon the material, painting or staining may also be required. Keeping up with your fence will not only extend its life, but also build a better relationship with neighbors.

 

Talk It Over

Part of being a good neighbor is being courteous, so inform neighbors of your fence installation plans. Try to let them know early on so they have plenty of time to share with you any concerns. If there are property disputes or other apprehensions, it will be much easier coming to an agreement before the fence goes up.

 

New Fence Finishing Touches

In most cases, fences are installed with the finished side facing out. It’s a win-win situation: it makes your property more attractive to passers-by while giving neighbors a favorable facade to look at. But if you spend a lot of time in the yard and don’t want to be confronted with views of posts, rails and other less-polished elements, don’t reverse the trend and expose your neighbors to the eyesore. A split-rail fence looks similar from either direction and could be a great compromise. There are also varieties of privacy fences, often called good neighbor fences, that are finished on both sides.

Follow the Law

Most townships and municipalities have zoning laws that regulate what a homeowner can do with his or her property. When it comes to fences, these laws regularly impact the structure’s height, or perhaps its proximity to the road. Always check with your local zoning office or homeowners association for any guidelines and be sure to obtain all necessary fence installation permits.

 

When having a new fence installed by Excel Fencing & Decking, you’ll never need to worry about zoning regulations and permit paperwork. That’s part of the comprehensive package we offer all our clients. From design to permit acquisition to installation, we have you covered every step of the way.

 

 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 at 10:15 am . Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Excel Fencing & Decking
1307 Enterprise Ct, Ste 1 Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 443-567-6603