Tehama Country Real Estate

Tehama Country Real Estate – 3 Fence etiquette prevents disputes eople fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Fences serve many purposes: to des- ignate property boundaries, keep pets or children con- tained in a safe environment, corral livestock, offer privacy or add aes- thetic appeal. P Although installing a fence may seem like the right idea for you, going about it the wrong way may lead to problems among neighbors, particu- larly if you live where the houses are relatively close to one another. Some home- owners find fences become the final point of contention among dis- agreeable neighbors or create tension with a neighbor with whom you previously had a good relationship. Being cour- teous with fence plans is the way to avoid any animosity along the way. There are certain things you must do and should do if you plan to erect a fence. Most peo- ple find neighbors appreciate being informed of any deci- sions you are thinking of mak- ing to the property that can affect their views or their adjoining property. Before drawing up fence plans with a contractor, talk to the neigh- bors on either side of your home and gauge their recep- tiveness to a fence. At this point, you may want to con- sider offering to make the fencing project a joint deal to save money should the neigh- bors decide to install a fence as well. Contractors will often dis- count if they have several cus- tomers doing an installation at the same time. Property own- ers can save by splitting the costs of the shared walls of the fence where their property lines meet.. Explain your case for the fence. Most neighbors are receptive to the idea if they know the reasoning -- espe- may be rules about how high fences can be in the front of the home, sides and back. Corner lot properties may have added regulations depending on whether the fence could prove a visual obstruction to drivers. If you live in a planned commu- nity, or one with a homeowners' association, it is your job to find out the guidelines for any home improvements. The HOA may dictate the style, size and mainte- nance of the fence or may not allow a fence at all. cially if the desire for a fence is not to keep them at bay. It's hard to protest a fence that is a safety precaution for children. If your neighbor already has a fence, you must ask whether you can connect your fence panels into the support post on your shared side. Once you notify your neigh- bors as a courtesy, there are certain steps to take that will prevent any legal disputes down the road. Even the most easy-going neighbor could grow aggravated if the fence is put up carelessly or ends up partially on his property. The best way to prevent this is to apply for a new, professional property survey and have property lines indicated with paint or wood markers. Each town or city has differ- ent regulations with regard to fencing, so it is important to learn the ropes or hire a con- tractor who is familiar with the rules. It might be illegal to install fences directly on the property line. The law might require the fence be installed a few inches inward. There also Once all the details are checked, you may have to apply for a fence permit. This way the construction of the fence and finished product will meet safety standards, and the area in which you live can provide consistent quality control. If the fence is installed by code, there is little chance it will have to be torn down or changed in the near future. Also, doing it by the book means that a neighbor can be unhappy about a fence but not have legal recourse to ask you to remove it. As an added form of cour- tesy, it is proper fence etiquette to put the "good" side of the fence facing the neighbors' yards. That means the side of the fence that doesn't show the support panels and posts. Remember, it is your fence so you are also responsible for all maintenance of the fence -- on all sides. Just because your neighbor also will be benefit- ting from your fence, doesn't mean he will have to care for it.

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