Keep reading to learn our tips for proper fence etiquette.
A fence can be an excellent way to get some privacy in the backyard, beautify your property, or even give your pets a place to run around. Regardless of your reason for fence building, you may think all you must do is choose a style and placement and call the right fence company. However, there are simple but unwritten rules regarding proper fence etiquette to avoid problems with neighbors, homeowners associations, and the city you reside in. Keep reading to learn our tips for proper fence etiquette.
Check on Regulations
Before you start your fence-building process, make sure to check with regulations. Sometimes, the city you reside in will have limitations on the type, style, or even the fence color you might choose. This may also include a minimum or maximum height. For instance, many regulations do not allow more than a seven-foot privacy fence in most backyards. It can get challenging if your home is on a corner lot to avoid binding drivers driving through your neighborhood. In addition, you should check with the homeowner’s association (HOA) if you are part of one. Many times, an HOA will have specific rules that govern how a property should look.
Confirm Your Property Lines
Knowing where the property ends and your neighbors begin is not good enough. Building a fence on land you don’t own is illegal, and your neighbor can forcibly remove it, costing you time and money. Instead, refer to your property plat to confirm where your property lines fall. If you don’t have this document, sometimes you can retrieve a new one from the city’s planning office for free. Another option is to hire a survey crew to determine the property lines. Being sure your fence is built on your property is another type of proper fence etiquette.
Check-in With Your Neighbors
Building a fence without checking with your neighbors can be considered cold. So, it’s always ideal to let your neighbors know your plans for a fence installation before you actually do it. As a bonus, they may have been interested in doing the same and might be willing to collaborate on style, placement, and color. This can be great because it saves you money by splitting the cost of having a fence installation. Of course, this step is optional, but it’s a good idea to maintain a good relationship with those who live so close.
Fence Maintenance
Even though fences look great when brand new, they require maintenance to keep them looking good for many years. Also, an ugly fence can lower the prices of surrounding homes in your neighborhood overall. If fence maintenance is an issue in the long run, consider considering lower-maintenance fencing options such as vinyl. With so many fencing options, ensure you select something that fits your budget and is within your ability to maintain.
Choose Hercules Fence Northern Virginia for All of Your Fencing Needs!
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has countless fencing options for your home and commercial property. Whether you are excited about a beautiful vinyl chain link fence or already planning out your custom wood commercial fence, we are ready to help you frame and secure your property. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well-equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. Contact us to see how a beautiful wood fence can protect your property by giving us a call at 703-551-2609 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr
