When you’re building a new fence in Central North Carolina, you have to consider more than just your property. The fact is, your neighbors will see this new fence too, and it can have an impact on their outdoor space, which is worth considering.
Proper fence etiquette will help ensure your new fence is a positive addition to your home and not disruptive to your neighbors’ landscape.
As a top Central North Carolina fence company, the team at Atlantic Fencing aims to be good neighbors ourselves, and we love helping our clients learn more about how their fencing can impact their environment and how to make every project a success.
In this guide, we’ll cover five essential fence tips to help you be a good neighbor.
1. Communicate Your Plans
It’s important to let your neighbors know if you plan to install a Central North Carolina residential fence. While you certainly aren’t legally required to disclose your plans, it can help set the groundwork for a positive relationship.
Your neighbors will likely appreciate that you took the time to inform them about your new fence, especially if your properties are connected. You can also be considerate of their needs, such as neighbors with young children who may be napping during fence construction.
Doing your neighbors the simple courtesy of notifying them helps you avoid any miscommunications in the future. Sometimes, neighbors are so excited about a new fence that they want to chip in and split the cost!
2. Respect Your Neighbors’ Property Lines
Your new fence shouldn’t encroach on your neighbors’ property. You may not even know where their yard technically begins, so checking beforehand is essential. Your local county recorder or assessor’s office can help. There are also usually online maps that you can use to locate your property’s border.
If you need to determine where your fence line should begin, hire a qualified land surveyor to define your boundaries. Specific building requirements prevent a fence from being within a certain distance from another person’s property.
Be sure to have 100% clarity on your land’s limits before placing a fence. Failure to do so could result in fines and having to take your fence down.
3. Research Local Regulations
Another aspect of building a good neighbor fence is researching your neighborhood rules, local zoning laws, and any applicable homeowners’ association restrictions. Make sure that your fence complies with height, color, and design requirements if they apply.
If you don’t live in an HOA, local zoning laws still impact construction, such as the need for a permit, where a fence can be placed on a corner lot, and more.
We’re well-versed in local fence legislation, but it’s still your responsibility to be fully informed and ensure your fence complies with local ordinances and HOA rules.
4. Practice Routine Maintenance
Fence maintenance is another key element of neighborly fencing. Think about it: Would you like to see a rotted, half-broken wood fence every time you step out on your property? Probably not.
Different materials have unique needs, and it’s important to choose wisely and ensure your fence won’t sustain damage from any of your neighbors’ activities, either. Even if you maintain your landscape, consider a more durable material if your neighbor doesn’t.
For example, wood fences can develop rot if the grass is too tall, shrubbery is too close, and moisture gathers at the base of posts. However, a vinyl fence, an aluminum fence, or a chain link fence can withstand this issue better.
Regular maintenance ensures that both sides of your fence are pleasant to look at, so you and your neighbor can enjoy nice views. Plus, caring for your fence ensures it lasts as long as possible without expensive repairs.
5. Consider a Double-Sided Fence
The last fence etiquette tip we have is about design. Depending on the type of material and design you choose, one side may be more aesthetically pleasing than the other.
It’s common for the finished side of the fence to face your property and have the unfinished side facing the street or your neighbor’s yard. But consider installing a good neighbor fence that looks the same on both sides.
Learn more about our top Central North Carolina residential fence materials and styles.
Start Your Next Central North Carolina Residential Fence on a Good Note!
Be a good neighbor and work with a professional Central North Carolina fence company like Atlantic Fencing. With our extensive experience and high-quality materials, we ensure that every fence is a worthwhile investment.
For more information, please call us at (919) 614-0049 or contact us online for friendly fence service! We look forward to completing your home with a beautiful fence that everyone loves.
