Should you ask your neighbor to help cover the costs of a new fence? After all, it’s a critical element of fence etiquette.
Now that you’ve decided to install a new fence, you might run into some unexpected questions. The most crucial of these questions is if you should ask your neighbor to help you cover the costs of your new fence. No law dictates you should talk to your neighbor about it, but let’s face it, it’s just common courtesy and a critical element of fence etiquette.
Talk About It
As we’ve discussed before, follow proper fence etiquette can be tricky. But once you know you want to install a new fence, it’s a good idea to talk about it with your neighbor. Through discussion, you can determine where the property lines dividing your home from your neighbor’s home will begin and end. You might also need to call a land surveyor to take a more accurate measurement for you. Don’t just assume your neighbor will be gracious enough to help you pay for the fence.
Who Should Pay?
The issue of who pays can be settled quite easily. If your neighbor decides they would like to have a new fence put up as well, then the both of you can simply divide up the costs of the fence. If another neighbor joins in on the project, you could split the costs three ways or even more, although more than two neighbors splitting the cost of a new fence is highly unlikely. Then again, it’s equally possible that your neighbor will have no interest, meaning you will have to foot the bill all by yourself. That said, if your neighbor wants to help you pay for it, expect to allow them some leeway when it comes to the look and feel of the fence in return.
Who Takes Care of the Fence?
However you decide to pay for the fence, you will also need to decide who will maintain the fence. Once that is settled, you need to choose a fence that fits in well with the aesthetic of both your home and your neighbor’s home. Don’t forget that if one side of the fence looks better, you should take the side that isn’t as pretty. You might also have to care for both sides of the fence unless your neighbor promises they’ll be responsible for their side.
Follow Good Neighborly Fence Etiquette with Help from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry, and can offer you the best in ornamental steel, chain link, wooden fences and more. Our dedicated teams of fencing professionals are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in providing quality fence installations of any type. We’ll work with you to find a fence that bests suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700, drop in, or contact us on our website to learn more about fall fence construction! You can keep up to date with offers and information from Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
