In many American cities, it’s a standard practice for neighbors to share fences. You might need to share a fence with at least one of your neighbors in almost every place. No matter how many fences (both front and backyard) you share with your neighbors, you need to ensure that the experience is positive for both parties involved.
Here we will discuss the standard etiquette you must maintain while sharing a fence with your neighbor.
Determine who owns the fence
If you want to maintain or repair a fence and you share a fence line with your neighbor, you need to find out who owns the fence before beginning the maintenance work. If you own the fence, you can proceed with the repair and maintenance work. However, if the fence belongs to the neighbor and has turned shabby, ruining the neighborhood’s aesthetics, an open dialogue would be ideal before you continue with the maintenance work.
If both you and the neighbor own the property where the fence line is located, then you need to give them an idea about your expectations and discuss the fence project.
You need to define the property line for the new fence
Checking the property lines can save you from the headache down the road. You can install a fence on your property, but your fence should not overlap the neighbor’s property line. If, by accident, the fence is installed in the neighbor’s property line, then they have the right to take down the vinyl fence, thus negating the time, money, and energy you have spent on fence installation.
It is best to take some time to define the property lines and confirm where your property begins and ends before installing a fence. Communicating your plans with your neighbor can also be a wise decision. Look at your home’s survey report to determine the property lines. If you do not have the home survey report, the county’s record office can help.
You must hire a land surveyor if the record office doesn’t have the survey record. If you already have a fence, then a survey is unnecessary. Your new Duramax Fence can be installed in the current place. Investing in Duramax Fence saves 29% on labor and fencing compared to other fencing alternatives.
Talk to the neighbors
Well, that’s not necessary, but it’s a good place to start. When you have a plan, communicate with your neighbors about the fence design to focus on aesthetics and security. Consider what your neighborhood looks like and what’s necessary, per the Homeowners Association (HOA).
Some neighbors agree to share costs when it benefits both parties and with this, the conversations about fence maintenance and property lines become easier. However, not all neighbors are amiable, which is why you should try to install the fence on your property, abiding by the HOA rules and regulations.
Maintain the fence line
If you already have a fence. Then ensure that it’s well maintained. A fading and broken fence can affect the aesthetics of the neighborhood. However, a beautiful and well-maintained fence increases the curb appeal and is a delight for the neighbor.
Vinyl fences from Duramax is virtually maintenance-free. It is weatherproof, water-resistant, and won’t fade, turn yellow or get discolored. Washing the fence line with a garden hose is all you need for optimal upkeep. However, since most love wooden fences, we have an ultimate solution for their needs. Duramax has come up with the DuraGrain vinyl fence that looks similar to real wood but has the vital characteristics of vinyl. This wood-grained fence does not rot, rust, fade or break easily. The DuraGrain fence looks and feels like real wood, but it is weather-resistant, waterproof, and termite resistant, like vinyl.
Give your neighbors the ‘good side’
When building a new fence, consider giving the neighbors the ‘good side’ and letting the ‘back side’ face you. However, if you want the ‘good side’ to yourself, then Duramax can help you with a customized neighbor-friendly fence where both sides look similar and both parties can enjoy the full charm of the fence line.
Neighbor-friendly fences are an excellent choice as both sides are attractive and provide optimal privacy for you and your neighbor. Broad-style fences with contemporary design, decorative criss-cross patterned lattice fences, and shadowbox fences are a few choices you can opt for.
Are you building a fence right next to your neighbor’s fence?
Your fence should be built at least 2 feet inside the property line and not be a boundary fence. If you want to build a fence line right next to your neighbor’s existing fence, either place the new one right against the existing fence line or leave space between the fences for mowing. This is because smaller spacing makes mowing the grass between fences challenging. So, consider leaving a reasonable gap between fence lines to avoid maintenance hassles.
Choose Duramax Fences
Good fences make good neighbors, and maintaining some of their fence etiquette will do you a world of good. However, if you want to choose a fence material, go for vinyl! Duramax vinyl fences made from thicker vinyl sheets are stronger than others and ensure exceptional strength, durability, and resilience. Our fences are backed with a limited lifetime warranty and are engineered for maximum durability. Our ASTM-certified fences come customized to meet your preferences and stand tall for years without warping, rotting, or breaking down. Request a quote now. Book your free consultation today!
