Robert Frost wrote in The Mending Wall...
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out
And to whom I was like to give offense.
Good advice. There are a few guidelines or etiquette to follow if you want to put up a fence between you and your neighbor. A fence would include any type of wall or a row of privacy trees or hedges.
Do Your Homework
Stay within Your Boundaries: Nothing will upset a neighbor faster than putting a fence on their property (or what they think is their property). Get a survey if you are not sure. Fence companies usually like to place a fence a foot inside the property lines to be safe.
Follow Local Zoning and Homeowners Association Rules: Get a permit from your township and permission from the HOA. Follow all the rules/regulations for height, style, setbacks, etc. It is your job to find out what restrictions may apply.
Keep Peace with the Neighbors
No Surprises: Let your neighbors know ahead of time about your plans. Review the property lines with them to ensure they won’t dispute the placement of the fence. A survey should settle any disagreement. However, you don’t necessarily have to share the design of the fence with the neighbors. They may try to persuade you to built a different type of fence, and unless they are paying for it, it is your decision, not theirs. Stay strong and don’t let them bully you.
Face Outward: As a courtesy to neighbors, it is common practice to put the nicer/more finished side of the fence facing outward toward the neighbor’s property and the street. With some fences you can’t tell the difference but with others, there can be a big difference. Consider what everyone gets to look at, not just you.
Finish and Maintain What You Have Created: Nothing is worse than a job half done or a neglected fence. Powerwash, scrape and paint or stain the fence (both sides) as needed. Repair any parts of a fence that are leaning or broken. Cut the grass and weed whack on BOTH sides of the fence. If the fence is really a row of tree or hedges, properly care for the plantings. Replace dead or dying trees/bushes, mulch, trim and prune as needed.
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill; And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County of Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.
Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: Fence Etiquette - Copyright © 2011, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.
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The Scott Loper Team
Scott Loper - Associate Broker
Lisa Loper - Sales Associate
Gina Wherry - Sales Associate
RE/MAX Realty Group
439 Main Street
Harleysville, PA 19438
Ph: 215-256-1200 x-213
