Fence Etiquitte with the neighbors...

[GrayStangGT]

I'm about to have to deal with this same subject, and the fence that is in common is my main one, but is the neighbors side yard that they don't even use.

[Bringit]

Funny that I read this thread for the first time yesterday, and literally 30 minutes ago, my neighbor rings my doorbell and asks me to contribute to our shared fence. I've lived here for 7+ years, and they've been there for atleast 4-5 years....and this is probably first time we've ever said a word to each other.

The conversation started easy enough. He wants to replace the entire length of shared fence. Approx. 46 ft. But here's the kicker. Up front, he just asks me for $500. That his estimated costs were going to be $1,000 for new posts/panels/labor. This didn't seem legit to me, so I said..just have it done...and send me an invoice. Then he mentions that "there wouldn't be an invoice," because his son in law was going to do it. Seemed pretty shady to me. Obviously if his son in law is doing it...him having to pay labor is pretty arbitrary. So how could he assume my portion would be $500. So he walked away, without ever agreeing on anything.

[Mike]

[mstng86]

Funny that I read this thread for the first time yesterday, and literally 30 minutes ago, my neighbor rings my doorbell and asks me to contribute to our shared fence. I've lived here for 7+ years, and they've been there for atleast 4-5 years....and this is probably first time we've ever said a word to each other.

The conversation started easy enough. He wants to replace the entire length of shared fence. Approx. 46 ft. But here's the kicker. Up front, he just asks me for $500. That his estimated costs were going to be $1,000 for new posts/panels/labor. This didn't seem legit to me, so I said..just have it done...and send me an invoice. Then he mentions that "there wouldn't be an invoice," because his son in law was going to do it. Seemed pretty shady to me. Obviously if his son in law is doing it...him having to pay labor is pretty arbitrary. So how could he assume my portion would be $500. So he walked away, without ever agreeing on anything.

One of my neighbors had their son do it. It cost us $800 total. Metal poles, normal 6' fence and all the materials. 60' long or so. Labor is a huge cost.

[Bringit]

One of my neighbors had their son do it. It cost us $800 total. Metal poles, normal 6' fence and all the materials. 60' long or so. Labor is a huge cost.

Understood. I do find the value in paying for labor, and do not mind paying somebody that is qualified, for the going rate for their trade. But the way he rolled it out, was that his son in law is going to do it. As in..that's not his son in laws job. That he would just be the one doing the work. So, my argument was...that if he is asking me to pay for parts and labor.....that whoever I'm paying labor to, better own a business...be bonded/insured, and be available to fix any issues, or answer my phone calls if something is not to my liking. That's why I requested an invoice. In my eyes, by using his son in law, and buying the fencing on his own, that basically I would in all intents and purposes be footing 100% of the bill. And his son in law, and friends would throw up a shoddy fence..never to be seen again.

[mstng86]

Understood. I do find the value in paying for labor, and do not mind paying somebody that is qualified, for the going rate for their trade. But the way he rolled it out, was that his son in law is going to do it. As in..that's not his son in laws job. That he would just be the one doing the work. So, my argument was...that if he is asking me to pay for parts and labor.....that whoever I'm paying labor to, better own a business...be bonded/insured, and be available to fix any issues, or answer my phone calls if something is not to my liking. That's why I requested an invoice. In my eyes, by using his son in law, and buying the fencing on his own, that basically I would in all intents and purposes be footing 100% of the bill. And his son in law, and friends would throw up a shoddy fence..never to be seen again.

I can see that. But do you think your neighbor wants a shoddy fence? I did get an invoice of the all the materials. I know their son doing the job probably saved me another $500 in labor cost.

[bcoop]

Understood. I do find the value in paying for labor, and do not mind paying somebody that is qualified, for the going rate for their trade. But the way he rolled it out, was that his son in law is going to do it. As in..that's not his son in laws job. That he would just be the one doing the work. So, my argument was...that if he is asking me to pay for parts and labor.....that whoever I'm paying labor to, better own a business...be bonded/insured, and be available to fix any issues, or answer my phone calls if something is not to my liking. That's why I requested an invoice. In my eyes, by using his son in law, and buying the fencing on his own, that basically I would in all intents and purposes be footing 100% of the bill. And his son in law, and friends would throw up a shoddy fence..never to be seen again.

Tell him your concern, and that you'll gladly pay for labor if you know the quality of work is up to par, or if you can even help or supervise. I don't think he's being unreasonable, and I don't think you are either. You two just need to communicate and work through it.

I can see that. But do you think your neighbor wants a shoddy fence? I did get an invoice of the all the materials. I know their son doing the job probably saved me another $500 in labor cost.

Neighbor could just be throwing something up to sell the house. Not as likely, but possible.

[Baron Von Crowder]

I can see that. But do you think your neighbor wants a shoddy fence? I did get an invoice of the all the materials. I know their son doing the job probably saved me another $500 in labor cost.

I can drive you within 2 miles of my house and show you fences that never should have been built over and over again.

[mstng86]

I can drive you within 2 miles of my house and show you fences that never should have been built over and over again.

hell that happens at most new neighborhoods. builders using wooden posts.

[Baron Von Crowder]

hell that happens at most new neighborhoods. builders using wooden posts.

These are obvious replacements.

[akfodysvn]

x2

Also my parents neighbor went and replace their whole fence then afterwards came to us asking to pay for our side. They laughed and slammed the door.

I would pull the panels down and paint a horrendous color on the side that faces your house if that wad the response I got. Sure they should have approached you first but to blow them off givs them every right to do that in my eyes.