Good fences make good neighbors, the old saying goes, and there is much truth in this.
Fences can be the start of good neighborly relationships or the cause of bitter disputes.
To avoid the bad blood before having a fence company out, here are a few tips that every homeowner should take to heart with regard to their fence.
It will ensure that neighbors stay friendly and the fence in question can be enjoyed by everyone!
- Maintain Good Fences - When an existing fence installation is still in place, be sure to keep it well-maintained and looking good. Keep it clean and call a fencing company to make repairs if necessary so the fence remains in good condition and can serve its purpose, whether that is decorative, protective, or to contain pets and kids. The last thing any neighbor wants to see when they look outside is a damaged, dirty, and unkempt fence that is falling down. Good maintenance keeps that fence serviceable and the whole neighborhood happy as well.
- Discuss A New Fence First - Before hiring a fence company to install new fences, politely inform the neighbors of the plans first. Most will be just fine with it since every homeowner is able to do whatever they want on their own property. Still, it is considered common courtesy to let the neighbors know that you would like to put up a fence and the type you have in mind. If there are any concerns about the type, location, or size of the fence, it can all be discussed and worked out beforehand.
- Check With HOAs and Zoning Office - Don’t forget to confirm with the local HOA the type of fence that is permitted and keep it to one of those types. Also, contact the local zoning office to find out if a permit is required to install the fence and whether the permit is the responsibility of the fencing company or the homeowner.
- Confirm Property Lines - Another essential task that should be handled before any new fences go up and even when replacing an existing one is to confirm the property lines to ensure the fence is installed on the right side of those lines. Fences installed by a fence company on the wrong side of the line are infamously responsible for bad neighbor relationships and even lawsuits. As such, this is a detail that should never be overlooked.
As simple as these four little tips may seem, they can make or break good relationships with the neighbors.
Be a good neighbor when installing or maintaining fences to ensure a problem-free installation by a local fencing company!