Fence etiquette is an important consideration when installing a new fence on your property. You don’t have to include your neighbors in the process, but you’ll make your life a lot easier if you do. Here are some fence etiquette tips to keep your neighbors happy. Read on to find out our favorite tips for proper fence etiquette.
Check on Rules and Regulations
Before building a fence be sure to check with local rules and regulations. Oftentimes, the city or town you reside in will have limitations on the style, type, or even the color of the fence that you may choose. This could also include a minimum or maximum height as well. If you are part of a homeowner’s association (HOA) then you will want to check their rules as well. Many times an HOA will have specific rules that govern how a house and property should look. Checking with them first can help you to avoid annoying headaches down the road.
Check Your Property Lines
Along with the previous entry, this is what we would call a must-do when it comes to fence etiquette. Having a good idea of where the property ends and your neighbors begin is not good enough. It is illegal to build a fence on land you do not own and your neighbor could have it forcibly removed costing you time and money. Refer to your property plan to determine just exactly where your property lines fall. If you have lost this document sometimes you can get a new one from the city’s planning office for free. Another option is to hire a survey crew to determine the exact property lines. Being sure your fence is built on your property is one of the best ways to keep you and your neighbors happy. It will also be sure to save you the cost and hassle of having the fence rebuilt in the future.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Building a fence without checking with your neighbors first can be considered cold. It is always a good idea to let your neighbors know your plans for installing a fence before you actually do it. As a bonus, they might have been interested in doing the same and may be willing to collaborate on placement, style, and color. This can be great as it may save you money by splitting the cost of having a fence installed which can oftentimes get pricey. Some fence companies will often offer discounts for multiple yards further driving the cost down so be sure to check with your neighbors first. Of course, this step is completely optional, but it is a good idea to keep a good relationship with those who live so close
Face the Good Side of the Fence toward the Neighbor’s Yard
The flat side of a wood fence is considered the ‘good side,’ and it’s common fence etiquette to face that towards your neighbors’ yards. With that in mind, there are times when you may need to face the ‘ugly’ side towards your neighbors. If you have a dog that could easily hop the fence, having the smooth side facing inward could reduce that risk. If your neighbor has the ‘ugly side’ for the other parts of his or her fencing, they may want to maintain consistency along your property line. You can always talk to your neighbor in advance to determine how you want the fence oriented.
Maintain Your Fence
Fences look great when they are brand new. However, do not forget that they do require maintenance to keep them looking good for years to come. A fence that is not properly cleaned or repaired when needed can quickly become an eyesore and earn the ire of your neighbors. An ugly fence can ultimately drive the prices of surrounding houses down in your neighborhood. To avoid issues with your neighborhood or being the house on the block with an ugly fence be prepared to invest in maintenance. Keep in mind that wooden fences look gorgeous, but can often be much more costly to maintain in the long run. If you think that it could be an issue for you then it might be best to look into lower maintenance options such as vinyl. With so many options these days make sure you choose something that not only fits your budget but also something that is within your ability to maintain when needed.
Carefully Choose Your Fence Contractor
Another important thing to consider when building a fence is finding a reliable fence contractor. You are going to want a crew who can finish your fence in a timely and professional manner. This not only means fewer aggravations and mess for you to deal with but also for your neighbors. Your neighbors can feel confident about the workers on their property, and you can rest assured that your investment will pay off in the end.
At Buckhead Fence Company we continue to offer the very best product, price, and service, and our customers routinely rank us as number one in service and value.
No matter your reason for installing a fence, good fence etiquette will ensure that both you and your neighbors are happy. If you follow these simple tips building a fence will be simple and painless, whether it’s for marking a boundary, privacy, protection, or simply just adding beauty to your home. Now get out there and get that fence that you have always dreamed of!
If you are looking for a trustworthy and reliable fencing contractor in Georgia, then be sure to give Buckhead Fence Company a call. We have been providing high-quality fences, industry-leading customer service, and the best prices. Boost your security and enhance the curb appeal of your property with our professional fencing services. If you have any questions about fencing, then be sure to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you and answer your questions or find the perfect product that fits your needs and your budget. Give us a call at (470) 431-0079 and get your free quote.