Fence Etiquette

In many niches there are unwritten rules, this also applies when installing a fence. A fence provides you with privacy, security, and beauty to your home. But before you install a fence you should become familiar with fence etiquette. With proper fence etiquette, you can save yourself from problems with your neighbors, homeowners association, and the town or city you live in. Read and follow our guide to ensure you can happily build your new fence and keep your community untroubled. 

The Rules

You will want to check your local rules and regulations before building your new fence. The city you live in will often have limits on what you can do with your new fence like the style, height, materials, and even colors. For example, the most common regulation is the height of your fence. In certain areas, you are limited to no more than a 6-foot tall fence for your backyard and a 4-foot tall fence in your front yard. Make sure to become familiar with these kinds of rules and regulations to avoid expensive fines. In addition, the homeowner’s association (HOA) has its own rules. So if you are part of an HOA make sure to check with their rules as well.

Neighbors

When it comes to keeping a good relationship with your neighbors you will want to start off by checking your property plat to find where your property line ends and your neighbors begin. You do not want to ever cross this property line because it is illegal and your neighbor can force you to remove the fence which will add to costs. If you do not have your property plat you can contact your city’s planning office and most of the time you can receive a new one for free. You can also hire to have your home surveyed to figure out where exactly your property line is. By staying inside your property line you can keep yourself out of legal matters and keep your neighbors happy.

Once you have determined your property line you should let your neighbors know about your fence building plans as a courtesy. This can be a great way to keep a good relationship and save some money if your neighbor is considering having a fence installed as well. 

Face the “good side” of the fence towards your neighbors

Most fences have 2 sides, one being the “good side” which looks more polished and the other side has the posts and rails showing. Proper fence etiquette suggests that you should face the polished side towards your neighbors and the outside world. It is not only polite but it is also the standard for fencing that makes your property look nicer. If you do not like the way an inside of a fence looks you can consider a stronger double-sided privacy fence that is built with a sandwich-like construction.

Taking care of your fence

Maintaining your fence is important not only for your benefit but also for your neighborhood. A new fence is beautiful, however, to keep that you must properly clean and repair the fence over time. Without maintenance, your fence can become an eyesore to your neighbors and even drive the value of the homes in your neighborhood down. To avoid being the “ugly house” in the neighborhood and keeping a good relationship with your neighbors you should keep up with the maintenance of your fence. If you think maintaining your fence will be a problem for you, then consider a vinyl fence as this alternative to a wooden fence can be cheaper and less work to maintain. When choosing your fence options choose something that not only fits your budget but a fence material you believe you can maintain over time.

Proper Fence Etiquette 

Following our guide will save you from stressing about avoidable troubles, and ultimately make your new fence a more enjoyable experience. You now know about the preparations you should take before installing a new fence. All you need now is the right fence company. If you are searching for a reliable and trustworthy Dallas fence company, then make sure to give Global Fence a call. With over 50 years of experience, we have provided the southern United States with quality fences and put our customer’s satisfaction first. Contact us and receive a free quote on your new fence.