Good Fences make good neighbors; this is true and can provide you both with the privacy you need to avoid disputes. However, when building a fence, if there is going to be a good and bad side, try working with your neighbor. Out of respect for anyone involved, it’s a good idea to first start by talking to your neighbor.
What does "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" mean?
Here’s why we think “good fences make good neighbors”:
- Privacy. It’s great to be on friendly terms with your neighbors, whether you are a homeowner or a business. ...
- Security. Good relationships are often built on trust, but that doesn’t mean taking unnecessary risks. ...
- Pool Safety. ...
- Adds Value. ...
Do good hedges make good neighbors?
Good hedges make good neighbors -- and beautiful gardens . Ingrid Sundstrom, Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune Sunday Oct 18, 1998 at 12:01 AM Jan 11, 2011 at 7:35 AM.
Do good walls make good neighbors?
Good fences make good neighbors is a proverb that exists in many different cultures and languages and due to its longstanding history and prevalence, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly where this insight originated. In English its common usage seems to have sprung from Robert Frost's use of the phrase in his poem, “Mending Wall,” published in 1914.
How to build a neighbor friendly fence?
- Finances. Neighbors should share the border fence if the fence is directly on property lines or in the space between properties. ...
- Communication. Talk to your neighbor about your plans. ...
- Advance Notice. Local good neighbor laws typically require you to notify your neighbors with a certified letter at least 30 days before construction. ...
Which side of a privacy fence faces out?
Many customers are concerned about 'Which side of the fence do the posts go on?' or 'What side of my fence should face the neighbor?' , and understandably so. The 'quick' answer is that the finished, or good side of the fence faces the outside of your property, visible to neighbors and the outside world.
Can I put the good side of the fence?
Though it is common practice, no law mandates your neighbor get the good side of the fence, though your local city might. Nonetheless, it is good fence etiquette and the most practical option for the owner in terms of safety, repairs, and curb appeal.
What is the point of a good neighbor fence?
A Good Neighbor Fence is a wood privacy fence that divides two properties, where the finished side of the fence (i.e. the more attractive, smooth side) faces the neighbor's property. The homeowner building the fence then has a view of the rails and posts from inside their yard.
What is the good side of a fence called?
There really isn't a “good” side. Some customers feel that the smooth side or the picket fence side is nicer looking and so many prefer to see this side. It is important to note that any fence visible from the street should have the smooth side facing out toward the street. Many if not most HOA's require this.
Who owns the fence between two houses?
When looking at the plans, the ownership is indicated by a “T” marked on the plans on one side of a boundary. If the “T” is written on your side of the boundary, you're responsible for maintaining it. If there's an H (although actually it's two joined Ts) the boundary is the joint responsibility of both parties.
Do I need to tell Neighbours about fence?
You usually don't have to tell your neighbor that you're putting up a new fence if it's constructed entirely on your property. However, if a fence is being built on the property line between you and your neighbor, then you're typically required to inform them beforehand to avoid any legal disputes.
Is it illegal to paint your neighbor's fence?
If your neighbour owns the wall or fence Your neighbour doesn't have to change a wall or fence just because you want them to, for example making it higher for privacy. You can't make changes to your side without their permission, such as painting it.
How do you know which side of the fence is yours?
0:402:58How Can You Tell if a Fence is Yours - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLine between your house and your neighbors. Then the fence is yours. Now if you purchase theMoreLine between your house and your neighbors. Then the fence is yours. Now if you purchase the property.
How do you tell whose fence it is?
The best way to determine whether a fence is yours or not is by examining where it falls on the property line. If the fence is placed on your side of the property line between your house and your neighbor's, the fence is yours.
Can I put my own fence up next to my Neighbours?
Yes. Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence.
Can I put nails on top of my fence?
Nails, Glass and Carpet Gripper There is no law to stop you from cementing glass onto the tops of walls, or hammering nails or carpet gripper into the top of your fence.
Can I paint my side of the fence?
When it comes to fence painting, you can do whatever you want to your side of the fence. So, if it is your fence on both the outside and the inside, then you are free to do whatever you like in regards to painting.
How do you know which side of the fence is yours?
0:402:58How Can You Tell if a Fence is Yours - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLine between your house and your neighbors. Then the fence is yours. Now if you purchase theMoreLine between your house and your neighbors. Then the fence is yours. Now if you purchase the property.
Can you build a fence next to another fence?
Yes. Yes, you can build next to your neighbour's fence. As long as you're inside your property line you're fine. One consideration: your posts might have to be staggered relative to the fence posts of the existing fence.
What is the law regarding garden fences?
The laws actually state that a fence can be as high as 100 meters. However, this is only allowed if proper planning permits have been obtained. This means that any fence under 2 meters in height does not require a permit.
What is the good side of a fence?
If you build a dividing fence on your own property, the “good side” of the fence is the side of the fence that all maintenance will be preformed from. Fences are not “maintained” from the backside. The “good side” of the fence goes to where you have access to maintain it.
How far should a fence be from the property line?
This is why you should set your fence six inches inside your property line. This would avoid negative neighbors.
What does a finished side look like on a fence?
Certain kinds of fences have a finished side or a “good” side that looks smoother and more polished than the side with the rails and posts showing. In particular, the solid panel fences often used for privacy are generally constructed like this. The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it’s the standard. Your property will look a lot nicer with the “good” side facing the outside world. Otherwise, your fence will look like it was installed backward.
How to know where your property begins and ends?
Do you know where your property begins and ends—and are you really sure about that? It’s a good idea to check your house’s plat, which is a drawing that maps out your land. If you’ve lost this document, you may be able to get it free from your county’s records office. You can also hire a land surveyor to clarify the borders of your property. Additionally, a surveyor can place stakes along the boundary, giving you a clearer idea of exactly where your fence can go.
Why do we put the good side facing us?
First, the properties on either side of us are rental homes so we did not have established relationships. We decided our investment=our choice. Second, we preferred the look of the flat side. There is a downside to this though. There is a possibility that children and the nefarious wil climb the fence. Again, signs and Security cameras. Ridiculous, but necessary.
Can you put a fence in your yard?
If the type of fence you want is permitted in your neighborhood, you may feel you have the green light to install it. However, your fence may be in your yard, but your neighbors are still going to see it every day from their yards or windows. There are a few rules of fence etiquette you should keep in mind before you go forward with ...
When should fence posts be on the outside of a paddock?
February 1, 2019 at 5:32 pm. Where a fence encloses a paddock for horses, or a pasture for livestock, for safety, the posts should always be on the outside of the enclosure and the smooth boards to the inside. The boards will not pop if an animal pushes on it.
What is the good side of a fence?
When referring to the “good side” of the fence, we mean the flat, more polished-looking side. The “bad side” features the structural elements, like rails and posts. It is good etiquette to give your neighbor the better looking “good side,” but are you legally obligated to do so?
How to be a good neighbor?
If you want good neighbors, you should start by being one yourself. That means giving others the courtesy that you would want them to outstretch to you. Yes, keeping the noise down and saying good morning is important. However, good neighbor etiquette also extends to building a fence.
What does it mean to be happy neighbors?
Happy neighbors mean peaceful living for everyone. In addition to peaceful living, using good fence etiquette and giving your neighbor the good side of the fence is best practice for you too. Facing the good side towards your yard can pose many issues in terms of: Safety. Repairs.
What is CC&R fence?
CC&R’s generally focus on fence aesthetics and can even regulate the type of wood you use to build your fence. In these cases, you probably have no choice but to give your neighbor the good side of the fence. These restrictions ensure consistency and cohesion throughout a neighborhood.
What are prohibited materials in a fence?
Prohibited materials: Generally, laws will not dictate how your fence looks, but they can restrict materials that are considered dangerous, like barbed wire or electric fences.
Why do you put a picket on the flat side of a fence?
Popping out a picket or creating any sort of damage is much less likely and much more difficult on the flat side of the fence.
How tall is a fence?
In these cases, the maximum height is between 3 ½ and four feet tall.
What is the good side of a privacy fence?
When people refer to the good side of the fence…. They typically mean the side that does not show the horizontal rails between posts.
What side of a fence faces out?
When a new fence is installed, typically, the “pretty” side faces out away from your yard.
Why is the smooth side of a fence more secure?
When the smooth side of the fence faces out , your property is more secure, as that side of the fence is harder to climb. It might seem like a small thing, but you control fence post maintenance (or lack thereof) when the posts are on your side.
Which side of a fence is smooth?
Usually, the good side of the fence is smooth, as in the case of your typical vertical privacy fence.
Is Empire Fence a residential fence?
As a regional leader in residential and commercial fencing, Empire Fence of Tulsa is here to help… by providing professional service at an affordable price. We’ll be glad to help you with repairs or installation of a new fence. Contact Empire to get a quote ›
Do fences look uniform on both sides?
Some fence designs look uniform on both sides.
Is a board on board fence uniform?
But it is uniform-looking, as in the case of a board-on-board fence.
Which side of a fence faces outward?
As a general rule of thumb, the “pretty” side of the fence faces outward. The side with the rails and posts will be visible inside your yard, and the smooth side will face your neighbors, the street or the alley. There are several reasons for this:
Why put rails on the outside of a fence?
There are several reasons for this: If your fence faces a street, it will look much better with the smooth side out. Putting the rails on the outside of the fence would make it easy for people to climb up and over. This would be a major safety concern. Giving your neighbors the pretty side of the fence is considered good etiquette.
What happens if a fence is damaged?
If your fence gets damaged in the future, you will be able to see the evidence better with the railed side facing in. If you have dogs or children in the yard next to you, they will not be able to climb over the fence with the smooth side. They will also have a hard time pushing the fence posts.
Why are semi private fences considered semi private?
These are considered “semi-private fences” because there is a small gap between the pickets. One picket goes on one side and the other goes on the next. People walking by can see through the fencing slightly, more so than they would with a complete privacy fence.
Can you pop a picket out of a railed railing?
On the railed side, you could pop a picket out if you pushed hard enough with an outward force. The list goes on and on, but the simplest answer is to put the railings facing your yard. This creates a durable, sturdy frame that adds protection and value to your property.
Is it ok to give your neighbors the pretty side of the fence?
Giving your neighbors the pretty side of the fence is considered good etiquette . It’s a compromise – I’m putting up a barrier that connects to your property, but you get the good side to look at.
Do you have to work out property lines before installing a fence?
If there are any discrepancies about property lines, you will need to work those out before the fence is installed. Most neighbors will be more than happy to work with you, and if not, your fence company can speak to your neighbors for you.
What is a good neighbor fence?
A Good Neighbor Fence is a wood privacy fence that divides two properties, where the finished side of the fence (i.e. the more attractive, smooth side) faces the neighbor’s property . The homeowner building the fence then has a view of the rails and posts from inside their yard.
What is a shadow box fence?
A Shadow Box Fence is an alternative to a Good Neighbor Fence. The panels appear the same on both sides.
Do you have to build a fence with pickets facing out?
While most states don’t have laws that require homeowners to build a fence with the pickets facing out, many cities and homeowners associations do have rules about how fences should be constructed. Be sure to check with your city’s code, your neighborhood association rules and your fence contractor to ensure you’re in compliance. ...
Do you have to have a fence on a corner lot?
If your property is on a corner lot, or if you don’t have direct neighbors, it is common for municipalities to require fence posts and bracing to be restricted from public view. Effectively your are required to have Good Neighbor Fence or alternative. Again, check your local codes and association rules to ensure you’re following the rules before building.
Is a neighbor fence a law?
A Good Neighbor Fence is commonly considered good etiquette, but is not typically a law or requirement.
Do fence posts and rails have to be inside the yard?
There are however wood fence options that integrate the posts and rails , creating an attractive surface on both sides.
What is the good side of a fence?
Give Your Neighbor the “Good Side”. A lot of the traditional styles of fencing have a “good side” and an unfinished, or backside. The good side shows the smoother, finished fence while the backside shows the posts. It’s common courtesy in fence etiquette to give your neighbor’s the good side of the fence.
Why connect fences to neighbor's house?
Connecting the fences between your house and your neighbor’s house can add a comfortable layer of privacy. As long as your neighbor and your HOA allow it and you follow local fence regulations. Let’s take a look at how factors such as property lines, installation, and maintenance affect connecting to a neighbor's fence.
What is Proper Fence Etiquette?
There are several unspoken rules you should follow to maintain a civil relationship with your neighbors, and follow town rules.
Why did Kevin call his neighbor's listing agent?
That is until that neighbor sold his house a few years later. Kevin called his neighbor’s listing agent to make sure his neighbor told them about the fence agreement. The listing agent was unaware, which caused a slew of issues with the title and insurance policy.
How to protect your neighbor from a fence?
Just make sure that you communicate your concerns with your neighbor. If your fences are connected, consider having an agreement in place to protect both you and your neighbor. A written agreement can state that you own the fence, but you are letting your neighbor connect to the fence. You can include that any damage to the neighbor’s side ...
What is the difference between a good side and a backside?
The good side shows the smoother, finished fence while the backside shows the posts.
How much does a fence cost?
The cost depends on the length, height, and type of material. Wood fences cost anywhere from $17-$45 per linear foot.
How to avoid installing a fence on your neighbor's property?
You can avoid installing on your neighbor's property by reviewing your property lines. If you don't have a survey in your possession, your town may be able to provide you with a copy, or you can order a new one from a land surveyor. Depending on where you live, the costs to purchase a survey from a professional will be between $500 and $1,000. Fences are usually installed a foot inside your property lines, just to be safe. Once your property line is identified, learn and mark the location of any buried pipes and wires so they aren't damaged during fence installation.
Why is it important to talk to your neighbor about a fence?
This common courtesy may prevent future legal trouble from a neighbor who chooses to dispute your new fence. As a bonus, speaking to your neighbor may actually save you money. Since it will divide your yards and provide privacy for each ...
What is fence etiquette?
Fence etiquette, also known as being a good neighbor, will go a long way towards creating or maintaining a friendly relationship with those who live next door. Planning your new fence in a neighborly manner requires several steps before you begin to dig. Most importantly, fence etiquette and the law require that your fence ...
How far can a fence be from the road?
Local zoning regulations may include specific restrictions on the height of your fence and how far it must be setback from the road. Typically, a town will limit the side and back of your fence to 6 feet and the front of your fence to 4 feet.
What is the good side of a privacy fence?
Some privacy fences have one side that is finished, known as the "good side," where the wood appears smoother and more refined, while the other side will show both the rails and posts. If the style you've selected has a "good side," then that should be installed to face the neighbors and street.
Does speaking to your neighbor save you money?
As a bonus, speaking to your neighbor may actually save you money . Since it will divide your yards and provide privacy for each of you, they may want to work with you on the project and split the costs. Advertisement. references.
Fencing laws - What are your rights?
Before doing anything to your neighbor’s fence, you need to understand what the fence laws in your area say regarding ownership and maintenance.
What if the neighbor refuses?
So, with the fence laws in mind, you now probably know that you need your neighbor’s permission to clean your side of the fence. If you have a good relationship with them, most neighbors will happily agree.
Should you get the good side?
Yes and no. Even though having the good side of your neighbor’s fence would eliminate your need to clean it, there’s usually no rule demanding the neighbor to give you the good side of the fence.
Can my neighbor force me to repair the fence?
Not really. Since the fence is on his/her property, the neighbor has to cover all the repair costs required. However, if you chose to clean your side of the fence and it interfered with the fence structure, the neighbor may sue you.
Fence Etiquette tips to avoid fence disputes
Finally, all the fence problems that arise among neighbors can be easily avoided if neighbors choose to follow these simple fence etiquettes:
