There are many reasons homeowners choose to invest in a fence. Some homeowners want additional privacy or security, some want to contain pets or kids, others recognize the beauty and value that a fence adds to their home. Whatever the reason, it’s important to take neighbors into consideration before erecting a fence. If you live in an area with a homeowner’s association, you’ll need to take their regulations into account too, but that’s for a different blog post.
Fence etiquette is essentially just being a good neighbor by following zoning regulations (a must-do) and warning your neighbor before starting on the fence installation (a nice-to-do).
A professional fence installer will research the property line for you and ensure that the fence doesn’t overstep your bounds. If you’re planning on installing the fence by yourself, be sure you get the property lines right (consider hiring a surveyor), or your risk having to tear the fence down.
As a courtesy, consider telling your neighbors about your plans to build a fence. Many neighbors will be perfectly fine with the notion, especially if you explain your reasons for wanting a fence (unless it’s to keep them out of your yard!). Your neighbor may even be willing to split the cost of the shared fence with you if they’re considering fencing in the rest of their property as well.
