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How to let your neighbors know you are building a fence in a polite way...?

We are moving into a house soon and I know the first thing I want to do is put up a fence.  The neighbors yard is not that appealing, plus, I like my privacy and would prefer not to have a conversation with the neighbor every time I go in my backyard.

 How do I give the neighbors a heads up without being offending? 

P.S. the other neighbor is on a hill below us so we don't really notice them, so it would only be a fence on one side of the yard...

Re: How to let your neighbors know you are building a fence in a polite way...?

  • I am also a privacy minded person and would not like to have to engage the neighbor every time I went outside. My concern would be if you tell them you are only fencing along their property line they may be offended? Perhaps indicate to them that you will be doing landscaping on the other side of the fence and incorporating the fence in the decor or something? Or maybe that you plan to fence the entire yard, but one section at a time ... and you then simply "never get around" to fencing the rest? I would be concerned about getting off on the right foot with neighbors you will likely live by for some time.
  • imageRainzzzy:
    I am also a privacy minded person and would not like to have to engage the neighbor every time I went outside. My concern would be if you tell them you are only fencing along their property line they may be offended? Perhaps indicate to them that you will be doing landscaping on the other side of the fence and incorporating the fence in the decor or something? Or maybe that you plan to fence the entire yard, but one section at a time ... and you then simply "never get around" to fencing the rest? I would be concerned about getting off on the right foot with neighbors you will likely live by for some time.

    This.  I also think it would look weird only having a fence on 1 side of the yard (if that's what you're planning on doing). 

    When we moved, that was the first thing we wanted to do, but only because we have 2 dogs that need to be able to play outside. One of the neighbors next to us and the neighbor behind us already had fences, so we were just building a fence on one side as well. 

    Before we had moved in, we had asked the neighbors if we could hook on to their fence.  Once we moved in we were going to let the other neighbors know we were going to be building a fence, but they beat us to the punch.  The day we closed on the house, and not 10 minutes after I got to the house, that neighbor came over and was asking about a fence (pretty much rubbed me the wrong way, especially since it felt like they were watching to see when we would get there!)

    I honestly would fence your whole yard, just so it doesn't give the wrong impression to your neighbors and especially if you don't want to offend them or start off on the wrong foot with them.

    Anniversary

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    TTC since June 2012

  • Would you consider just fencing the whole yard? Will it be noticeable to them that you just fenced their side? I don't kniw that you owe them any explanation, really. In fact, I think that might be more awkward. But, if you feel like you have to say something, I would just mention in passing when you both to be outside that you'll be fencing in the yard next month, or whenever. Just breezy, casual. 

     

    I would strongly caution against bamboo. It is highly invasive, virtually impossible to rein in & will eventually spread to various neighbors. Some communities are considering banning it. It's so difficult to get rid of if you don't want it & for anyone who doesn't want to poison their ground, a really labor intensive, multi season project is involved in getting rid of it.  

     

    ETA: sorry if I missed any typos. On my phone.  

  • I was always under the impression that true clumping bamboo was hard to get your hands on for the home gardener, so that's great to know!

     

     

  • I would just do it and not say anything. If you are putting up the fence because you dont want to talk to them when you go outside, then who cares if they are upset that you put a fence up right?

    Im much like you, Im not really into forced small talk with people who Im not actually friends with, but my neighbors are awesome so I like talking to them

    Pennsylvania Realtor www.MikeAndDaveSell.com
  • Our neighbors came to us to give us a heads up, which I appreciated.  We had a super cute yard so I can't imagine it was an eyesore, I think they just needed privacy and security for the kids (we didn't have kids)

     

    the way they phrased it was basically "hey this summer we will be putting a fence up for the kids.  We are having the land surveyed and plan to out it 1 foot on our side of the property line so that it doesn't infringe on your property"

     

    they also told us they were debating between 6 foot wooden privacy versus some type of 5 ft plastic woven mesh and they asked us if we had a preference. We didn't have a preference, but it was nice that they asked.  They ended up doing wooden, and put the "pretty" side towards us and the street.

     

    looking back I think this was a  nice way to phrase it

  • Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Invite them over and get to know them! Talk with them and let them know that you are considering replacing  planning to put up a a fence and are wondering if it would affect them any way and if they'd be interested in doing it as a joint venture. It might be a good idea to have an idea of what it will cost before you suggest it. If they are not interested, leave it at that! 
    Be sure to check with your city or township on fencing rules before you do anything. 
    California Fence Company offers the best vinyl fences that are versatile, economical and virtually maintenance-free. They provide maximum privacy and minimum maintenance.
  • I agree with the others that you should fence in your whole yard. Also make sure it is on your side of the property line.

    I would get to know your neighbors. Chat with them. You never know when knowing who your neighbors are might come in handy.

    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • I wouldn't tell them. Just know your property line and put up the fence. If they ask, which I highly doubt, just be honest and say it's for privacy reasons (or if you have a dog, you could use that as an excuse, or kids!) 
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