It’s exciting to think about elevating your property with a brand-new fence. An important thing to consider as you begin the process is the impact your new fence will have on your neighbors. Whenever you make significant changes to your property, it’s always a good idea to practice proper fence etiquette so that you maintain a good relationship with those who live around you.
Proper fence etiquette is important and will help ensure the experience is a positive one for you and your neighbors. In this article, the experts at Dixie Fence Company will advise you on how best to navigate the process of choosing, purchasing, and installing a new fence and how to make it a great experience not only for you but also for those who live around you.
Good Communication is Vital
One of the first and probably most important tips in proper fence etiquette is to keep communication with your neighbors open and positive. If you are part of a neighborhood community, it is always best to consider the impact that changes to your property may have on your neighbors. Although it’s not necessary for you to give all of the details and you aren’t required to notify them, it is common courtesy to discuss your plans with those who will be affected. Doing this avoids any surprises or potential disputes in the future. You never know, they may be willing to share in the cost if it improves their property as well as yours!
Confirm Property Lines
An important rule of fence etiquette is to make certain that your new fence is built within your property lines. Even if you’re confident of where your property begins and ends, you should still double-check. It’s relatively easy to find out where your property lines are located by contacting your local county recorder or assessor’s office. Most counties now offer online maps that you may use to locate your property border. Hiring a qualified land surveyor to stake out your property boundary is an option as well.
Check the Regulations
The next fence etiquette tip is to make sure you’re familiar with your neighborhood regulations and local zoning laws. If you belong to a homeowner’s association (HOA), you can be certain that they have regulations as far as fence height, materials, and the acceptable color of the fence in your neighborhood.
Even if you don’t live in an HOA, there are often local zoning laws that may influence the construction of your new fence. This is especially true if your house is on a corner lot since a tall fence in the front yard might interfere with the view of traffic approaching the intersection. A reputable Georgia fence company will be familiar with local legislation; however, it is your responsibility to ensure that your new fence complies with every municipal ordinance or HOA rule.
Maintenance
Fence maintenance is another important part of fence etiquette. Like any other part of your home, a fence requires regular maintenance in order to keep it sturdy and looking good. Depending on the fence material you choose, it can have an impact on maintenance requirements. Some materials, like wood, need more regular cleaning and resealing. A fence made of vinyl or metal, such as aluminum or chain link on the other hand, will require far less maintenance. Even though your fence may run along a shared property line, as the fence owner it is still your responsibility to clean and maintain both sides. If your fence begins to age or starts to lean, it’s up to you to have it repaired or replaced.
Consider a Good Neighbor Fence
The last fence etiquette tip we’ll discuss is the placement of your fence. Depending on the type of fence you plan to build, one side may appear more appealing than the other. It’s common practice that the finished side of the fence, also known as the “good” side, faces toward the street and your neighbor’s yard. However, you do have the option of installing a “neighbor-friendly” fence, such as an aluminum or vinyl fence, as they look identical on both sides. Let the pros at Dixie Fence Company show you the many options of fencing we have that look great from either side.
Which Georgia Residential Fence Should You Choose?
When deciding which fence types will meet your home and family’s needs, as well as keep you in good standing with your neighbors, your locally owned and trustworthy Georgia fence company, Dixie Fence Company offers a variety of residential fence options to choose from, including wood fencing, chain link fence, vinyl, and aluminum fencing. Take a look at our testimonials page and see why Dixie Fence Company is the best choice for your new Georgia residential fence!
Ready to Start Your Georgia Residential Fence Project With a Top-Rated Georgia Fence Company?
Dixie Fence Company is a top-rated expert fence company that you can count on to help you with your new fence project. We’re here to help to make sure you don’t run into any issues along the way and to ensure that your new fence is everything you envisioned it to be. You can contact us online or call us at (912) 384-8455 for fast, friendly service!
