Etiquette of Fence Installation: Who Gets What?

When you install a new fence, you often have more to think of than just yourself.  Most times the fence is shared with a neighbor or other neighboring business.  Let's go over the general rules of fence etiquette we encourage customers to keep in mind before installing a fence!

Ensure Property Lines are Clearly Laid Out
Many of us don't exactly know where our property ends & our neighbors begin. It's always a good idea to check your property's plat- a drawing that maps the land you own.  If you can't locate the plat, you can typically get one for free from the county records office.  If this route fails, you can fire a land surveyor to clarify the borders of your property.  
Connect with Your Neighbors
Never a bad idea in general, but especially when the issue of property lines comes to the forefront.  You never quite know what your neighbor's plat says & it's a good idea to confirm this before starting a project.  After so, it's a great common courtesy to confide in your neighbors before starting a home project that they will be running along their property.   We've even seen situations where neighbors both are considering fence installations & decide to split the costs after discussing with each other!
Face Finished Fence Side Toward a Neighbor
Some types of fences have a finished (good) side and a one that is less smooth with posts showing.  In general, the finished side of the fence should face your neighbor- though our fence's typically have two equally smooth sides!   Not only will your property look a lot better with the finished side facing the outside world, but your neighbors or cars on the road will appreciate the beauty & thoughtfulness of leaving the best side for public eyes.  The double-sides fences we install are created using 'sandwich construction', making each side equally smooth & also providing more strength.
Work to Maintain Your Fence
You want your fence to look how it does after installation for years to come.  Maintaining a vinyl or metal fence requires just a tiny bit of maintenance throughout each year to maintain this high aesthetic level.  This benefits you, as well as your neighbors, who share the aesthetics of the fence and likely won't feel it's their right or obligation to provide any maintenance to your fence.    Luckily, wood fences require the most maintenance & that is why Salt Lake Fence Company specializes in vinyl & metal installations.

Following these guidelines in the fence installation process will help you to feel secure while keeping your neighbors happy.  Who doesn't want a peaceful neighborhood.

Have any comments or fencing installation experiences you want to share?  Comment below or give the pros at Salt Lake Fence Company a call today at ​801-695-4133.

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