From all the costly outdoor area on the to-do list, the refreshing of a fence seems to be like easy work. However, if it separates your property from the next door, it may not be so uncomplicated to update it with a fresh color or stain. Although it is tempting to change the part that is exposed to your house, you have to find out who actually has the fence and whether you have the legal or neighborly right to paint it. By changing a common fence without permission, legal disputes, HOA penalties (HomeWowner Association (HOA) and unpleasant interactions with neighbors can lead.
Fortunately, fence ownership debates can be resolved mutually, but there is an art to negotiate common costs and explore alternatives to maintain peace.
Determine who belongs to the fence
Detecting a fence that shares two properties is not always easy. Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and Broker at Echo Fine Properties, says that it depends on the rules for the individual state and the district and whether they belong to a HOA. A land vermeter or a legal agreement can solve the problem.
Not every fence is positioned exactly along the characteristic lines. If the fence is only in the land of an owner, this owner has it.
What if you hate the way it looks like your property? “Even if it faces your property, it is no different from a neighbor's blue house towards your property,” says Lichtenstein. “The side of the house is what you see, and the owner usually doesn't see it. Nevertheless, you can't paint it in any desired color.”
Real estate surveys are often the most reliable way to determine where your country ends and the neighbor begins. In neighborhoods without HOA regulations or clear agreements, it is best to obtain explicit permission before taking measures that could change your neighbor legally.
If you cannot withstand the condition or color of the fence in your home, you must start a sensitive negotiation.
Negotiate with your neighbor
Zach Peyton, Brand President of Superior Fence & Rail, jokingly refers to the famous Robert Frost line: “Good fences make good neighbors, right?” Incorrect. He says that some considerations make up the difference.
There may be cases in which property cannot be easily determined, since neither the neighbor has the original documents or has the opportunity to agree a real estate limits. This can happen if the neighbors have had disputes in the past when the country is rural or arable land or if either property is part of a sales sale.
If a neighbor has paid the original fence directly, this usually shows the possession of the fence. However, if the costs are shared or unclear, open and honest communication can prevent future conflicts.
Peyton outlines a joint scenario: “Mr. Smith wants to replace the fence during a larger renovation in the back yard, but Ms. Jones, who has it technically, currently does not have the budget for it. If Mr. Smith is striving to progress, it is striving to continue and have the permission of the fence owner, he can decide to use the full financial burden to To replace the fence from the fence.
In other words, if your half of the fence disturbs, you may have to take on 100% of the responsibility for a solution that serves both and the neighbor.
Who pays the painting job?
The cost division can be a sensitive problem. According to Lichtenstein, the simple rule of thumb is: “If you really want something, offer to pay the entire job.” He explains that this approach usually eliminates the friction, especially if the neighbor is not particularly concerned with the aesthetics. “You get an advantage, but it does not require you to invest.”
On the other hand, painting a fence without permission – even if you are based on the bill – can backfire. Normal wooden fences may require a simple DIY layer, but painting for wrought iron, grids or female can irreversibly damage the material. Lichtenstein warns that homeowners who change a fence without consent risk more than just neighborly tensions. “They could be punished by the HOA, sued their neighbor and have legal punishments and judgments against them,” he says. What begins as a cosmetic improvement could become an expensive legal problem if the fence is ruined or the installation somehow affects your neighbor's garden or lawn.
Best practices and fence alternatives
“I say to every home owner that we know that he will buy a biscuit cake to his new neighbors,” says Lichtenstein. While it sounds like a small gesture, take the time to talk, explain your reasons and ask questions to maintain a collaborative approach.
If you and your neighbor cannot agree, the best solution is sometimes to leave the fence as it is. Create a new type of border. Hedges, high grasses and grids with climbing systems can deliver privacy without penetrating common structures. “With hedges it is more common for you to take care of your side and you, yours,” says Lichtenstein, which can help to avoid future fence disputes.
If you are outdoors outdoors, you may need to create other obstacles on your side of the real estate line. Hardscaping or a secondary fence can be a suitable alternative.
Remember when the fence state is a risk of your health-think you broken slats, exposed sharp metal or toxic color-take it with your HOA or your community to convey a long-term means.