Details to Discuss With Your Neighbour Before Putting Up a Dividing Fence

Posted on: 11 October 2017

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If you are thinking about installing a dividing fence to separate your property from an adjacent property, it is imperative that you consult with your neighbour and reach an agreement before getting started on the project. The fencing agreement must be written and signed so it can be legally binding — a gentleman's agreement may not be legally enforceable if one or both parties fails to fulfil their part of the agreement.

Here are a number of key details you should be sure to include in your fencing agreement:

The fencing materials to be used.

There are many fencing materials available on the market today, and you and your neighbour will need to reach an agreement on which materials you should use for your fencing job. The both of you will probably want to install a fence that is strong and durable and that offers maximum security so you don't have to make frequent repairs on the fencing or have to replace it sooner than you had expected. Generally speaking, you should be aware that higher-quality, longer-lasting materials attract higher price tags. Before choosing particular fencing materials, you will need to check with your local building council to see if any restrictions apply.

The height of the fence.

You might want to erect a fence that is tall enough to provide total privacy and to prevent someone from climbing over it and entering your property, but your neighbour might be more interested in getting more sunshine in their yard or garden. Hence, they may not agree with you regarding the height of the fence you intend to construct. Before deciding on the height of the dividing fence, you should seek the opinion of your neighbour first and also ensure you contact your local building council to ask about any height restrictions that may apply.

The style of the fence.

Like it or not, your dividing fence is going to impact the kerb appeal of your property and your neighbour's property, so make sure you build something that will increase the beauty and value of both properties.

The cost of the entire fencing project.

Last but not least, estimate how much the entire fencing job is going to cost — you can do this by getting quotes from various fencing contractors in your local area and choosing an affordable quote. If the both of you are going to share the cost of the fence installation, make sure to include each party's share in the agreement.

Discussing the above details with your neighbour and signing a written fencing agreement before embarking on the fencing can save you the delay and extra cost associated with getting involved in a legal tussle. Consider letting a fencing contractor construct your dividing fence once you've ironed out the details of your project with your neighbour and consulted the local building council.