When it comes time to install a new South Jersey residential fence around your property, there are a number of things that you will need to consider. The first is the impact your new fence may have on your neighbors. Making sure you practice proper fence etiquette will help ensure the experience is a positive one for you both. In this article, we’ll discuss what proper fence etiquette means, as well as the many fencing options that are available from Superior Fence & Railing. Keep reading for some tips that will help you to practice proper fence etiquette.
Open Communication is Key
One of the most important aspects of proper fence etiquette is open communication with your neighbors. As part of a neighborhood community, the key to maintaining great relationships with those around you is to keep them in the loop when you’re making changes that could directly impact them. Although you are not required to notify them of every detail, it is a simple courtesy to discuss your plans. This will allow you to avoid any surprises or potential disputes in the future.
Know Your Property Lines
Another important rule of fence etiquette is to make certain that you know where your property lines are and that your new fence is built within them. Even if you feel certain of where your property lines fall, you should still double-check. Most counties now offer online maps that you may use to locate your property border, so take the time to confirm your boundaries, which will avoid you potentially having to move your fence after installation. Hiring a qualified land surveyor to stake out your property boundary before installation is another step to consider; however, this can be a costly option and, most of the time, won’t be necessary.
Know Your Community Rules
The next tip is to make sure you’re familiar with your local zoning laws. If you belong to a homeowner’s association (HOA), it’s almost guaranteed that they have certain regulations on the type, height, and color of your fence. Even if you don’t live in an HOA, there will more than likely be 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. The experts at your South Jersey fence company may be familiar with local regulations, but it is not their obligation to ensure that your new fence complies with every municipal ordinance or HOA rule; it’s yours.
Take Care of the Maintenance
Taking care of your fence maintenance is a very important part of proper fence etiquette. Just like any other part of your home, a South Jersey residential fence requires regular upkeep to ensure it always looks its best. Certain fence materials have different maintenance requirements. Some materials, like wood, need more regular cleaning and resealing. A fence made of vinyl or metal, like aluminum, ornamental steel, or chain link, on the other hand, will require far less maintenance. Good fence etiquette says that it’s your responsibility to clean and maintain both sides. If your fence begins to deteriorate, gets damaged, or starts to lean, it’s your responsibility to have it repaired or replaced.
Consider Installing a Good Neighbor Fence
The final fence etiquette tip we’ll discuss is the proper placement of your fence. Depending on the type of fence you choose, one side may be more attractive to look at than the other. If this is the case, it’s common practice to face the finished side of the fence, also known as the “good” side, toward the street and your neighbor’s yard. Alternatively, you could install a neighbor-friendly fence that looks identical on both sides, such as an aluminum or vinyl fence. Let the pros at Superior Fence & Railing show you the types of fencing that look great from either side.
So, What Type of South Jersey Residential Fence is Best?
When deciding which fence types will match your home and family’s needs, as well as allow you to maintain a great relationship with your neighbors, it’s reassuring to have a great company like Superior Fence & Railing, which provides a variety of residential fence options to choose from. From wood fencing, chain link fence, vinyl fence, ornamental steel fence, and aluminum fencing, each has its own dedicated page on our website, so we encourage you to take a look and see what option works best for you. For additional ideas and inspiration, take a look at our photo gallery, which includes pictures of our happy clients’ fence projects.
Are You Ready to Work With an Expert Fencing Contractor in New Jersey?
You can count on Superior Fence & Railing, your go-to expert fencing contractor in New Jersey, to assist with your new fence project every step of the way! We’re here to guide and help you make the best decisions and make sure you don’t run into any issues along the way. Call us at (609) 727-3708 or contact us online for fast, friendly service!
