Ways To Keep Your Neighbors Calm While Installing A Fence

Building a fence along your property line has many potential benefits. It adds privacy to your yard, reduces noise, and keeps your pets safe. While there are many reasons to build a fence, the act of installing one along your property line can cause friction with your neighbors. To avoid conflicts when you install a fence, consider ways to keep your neighbors calm and happy.

To keep the peace with your neighbors while you build a fence, consider asking them for input on design, and agree on the property lines before digging. Ensure construction times are reasonable, and if you use a contractor, have workers park their vehicles on your property. Research local regulations before building, maintain open communication with neighbors, and consider bringing a gift basket to them before construction begins.

Building a fence can be a complicated and costly endeavor. The last thing you want to do is add the stress of a disgruntled neighbor to the list. Installing a fence can create tension between you and your neighbors, but it doesn’t have to. To keep your neighbors happy while you build a fence along your property line, keep reading. Below is a list of highly effective ways to keep your neighbors calm as you install a fence.

13 Ways To Keep Your Neighbors Calm While Installing A Fence

1. Go Over Your Plans With Them As A Courtesy

When you plan any home improvement project near your property line, it’s smart to discuss your plans with your neighbor. Opening up the lines of communication is important for several reasons. 

First, discussing your fence plans with your neighbor prevents them from being blindsided on the first day of construction. Discussing your fence-building plans with your neighbor also allows them the chance to bring up any concerns they may have. This is the first step in preventing conflict with your neighbor when building a fence.

2. Verify And Agree On Property Lines

One of the most common and contentious issues that arises when building a fence involves determining property lines. While you may think you know the exact border of your property, your neighbor may have a different idea.

Before you start construction, trace your property line and ensure your neighbor agrees with it. If there is any discrepancy, you can resolve it using blueprints and other property documents. Once both parties agree on the property lines, you can start building your fence without having to worry about this hot-button issue.

3. Bring A Gift Basket As A Gesture Of Good Faith

A small gesture can go a long way, especially when it comes to getting into your neighbor's good graces. Before construction begins, try buttering up your neighbor with a gift basket. 

You can include DIY gifts from your garden, flowers, or some of your neighbor's favorite things (if you know them well). This small and inexpensive gesture can go a long way to calm tensions during any outdoor construction project.

4. Find A Fence Style You Both Enjoy

You must remember that even though you are building the fence, your neighbor will have to look at it every day. An ugly or obtrusive fence can cause tension between you and them that may last for years. 

To avoid this problem, find a few fence styles you love that are within your budget. Show the plans to your neighbor, and see if you can find a mutually agreed upon style. In the end, the decision is yours, especially since you are paying for it. Still, it’s kind to include your neighbor in this process. It can also reduce the risk of long-lasting tensions between you and your neighbor.

5. Choose Agreeable Construction Times For All Parties

While fence building isn’t usually the loudest home improvement project, it can still be disruptive. Construction crews, hammering, and additional vehicles can annoy neighbors over time. 

To avoid frustrations caused by construction, try to establish the best times and dates for your fence-building project. Try to schedule construction when your neighbor or neighbors are at work or on vacation. This will prevent many issues that may otherwise arise.

6. Confirm Local Regulations Before You Build

While your neighbor's feelings are something to worry about, you should also be concerned with your local government or HOA regulations. Before you build a fence, you must research all the rules and regulations for fence building.

Many municipalities have rules on fence style, height, and sometimes even color. If you break any of these rules, you may have to start over. Furthermore, any mistakes you make will also allow your neighbor the chance to report you, which will only further escalate tensions.

7. Communicate Your Neighbor's Requests With Contractors

When you speak with your neighbor before construction begins, there’s a good chance they will relay their concerns. These worries can range from lawn damage to noise to strangers in the yard.

Whatever these concerns are, ensure that you take note. This makes it easier for you to communicate concerns to your contractor, or whoever is helping you build the fence.

8. Ensure Construction Tools And Dirt Stay On Your Property

If your fence-building project is complex, it may take weeks to complete. To keep your neighbor calm, you must remember to clean up the work area and keep all tools on your side of the property line.

Keeping an organized construction site makes the project less of an eyesore. Your neighbor is less likely to become angry if their yard is unaffected, and your property is in order.

9. Don’t Let Construction Vehicles Block Your Neighbor's Driveway

Construction vehicles parked in the wrong location can cause anger and disputes among neighbors. When you build a fence and use outside help, ensure the vehicles park in your driveway or at least within the confines of your property.

When construction vehicles are parked on the street in a way that inconveniences your neighbors, they will quickly lose patience with your home improvement project.

10. Establish A Good Relationship with Neighbors Early On

Regardless of any future construction plans, it’s smart to have a good relationship with your neighbors. When you are friendly with them, they can watch your home when you’re on vacation, and assist with small favors. A friendly relationship also helps prevent issues when you build a fence.

Whenever possible, try to establish a good rapport with the people in your area. It will make living in your neighborhood more enjoyable, and it will help keep them calm when you build a fence.

11. Consider Adding Plants To Improve The Appearance

If you are installing a fence on a tight budget, there’s a good chance it might be more practical than it is beautiful. To keep your neighbor happy, consider planting fast-growing hedges or other plants, including bamboo, to help hide the fence. 

Adding plants to cover up he fence will add curb appeal and is likely to keep your neighbor happy, as they won’t have to look at an ugly fence for years to come.

12. Keep Communication Open And Civil When Disputes Arise

It’s natural for small disputes to arise between you and your neighbor while construction is ongoing. The key is to stay calm and avoid escalating the issue. Always keep conversations kind and civil. Even if you disagree with your neighbor, listen and hear them out. 

Don’t argue. Instead, try to find a solution that works for both parties, even when it’s difficult.

13. Consider Mediation If Disputes Become Heated

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to prevent problems, disputes arise among neighbors. Whether your fence-building project becomes more complex than you anticipated or your neighbor doesn’t like you, issues can occur.

As soon as a dispute appears, consider some form of mediation. You don’t want to create bad blood or irreconcilable differences between yourself and the people who live closest to you. If you and your neighbors can’t find a solution by talking it out, seek out professional mediation.

Wrapping Up Keeping Neighbors Calm While You Build A Fence

Building a fence along your property line is ideal for pet owners, families with small children, and individuals seeking more privacy. While fences have many benefits, they can cause friction among neighbors. To keep your neighbors calm while building a fence, establish a good rapport in advance and discuss your plans before you begin construction. Ask for their input, and agree on property lines before you start building. Ensure construction equipment and vehicles stay on your property. Consider bringing a gift basket to your neighbor before construction begins, and choose construction times that are most convenient for all. When things get heated, stay calm, and seek mediation if you and your neighbor can’t see eye to eye.

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