Boundary fencing is important in determining property boundaries, giving security to both sides, keeping animals and kids safe and providing privacy to name a few of the reasons why having a sturdy fence between properties is important.
Boundary fencing can become more involved than just choosing a fence material and hiring a fencing contractor to install the fence because it involves multiple parties. Therefore multiple decision-makers, preferences, and financial situations.
In this article, we will discuss boundary fencing, how to go about getting boundary fencing installed on a property, some options and how to overcome differences in opinions.
Get a few quotes for your fence
If it is agreed upon by all involved parties that a fence is required, the next step is to get some quotes from fencing companies and to establish what kind of fence is the best option. In most cases, the project cost will be evenly split for both parties.
Typically, three or more quotes for your project will suffice. This will allow open communication between you and your neighbour, knowing a range of expected prices, allowing you to choose materials, finishes, and also time frames for installation.
Fencing Material Choices
Now, for the trickier part: the fence appearance. It might be a cause of another dispute with your neighbour because of your personal preferences. Once settled, the next step is to proceed with the quote, which you may want to get a quote for a couple of different styles of fencing to be able to objectively compare and come to a unanimous decision.
Here are your options to consider when choosing the fence material:
- Timber fencing
Timber is one of the most common fencing material types for obvious reasons: affordability, customisability, durability and accessibility in Australia. A list of the timber fencing styles you can choose from includes standard pine paling fence, timber lapped and capped, treated pine with steel posts, timber fence with decorative latticework, wooden picket fence, and timber slats and screens.
- Colorbond Fencing
Colorbond is an increasingly popular fencing material for its durability factor, aesthetic, modern look, and for easy maintenance. Colorbond is steel, with coatings that make this one of the hardest materials to work with. Commonly used for roofing and cladding, it is a widely used material in construction across Sydney and Australia at large.
- Aluminium Fencing
Comparable to other metal options, aluminium is generally the most affordable metal option for fencing. Being less susceptible to rust and corrosion than other metals, aluminium can provide long-lasting, durable fencing, as well as the added benefit of being resistant to termites, which is especially important in woodland or bush areas of the Northern Beaches.
- Chain Wire Fencing
Most popular amongst larger rural blocks, chain wire is a cost-effective, simple way to create boundary fences. Effective as keeping pets in, chain wire can very well do the trick at an affordable price, with the added benefit of not being blocked out which may aesthetically be your preference as it allows the eye to see beyond the fence. Obviously, this would also impede privacy, it comes down to what the function and priority is for your fence.
- PVC Fencing
Available in full privacy and semi-privacy options, PVC fencing is becoming increasingly popular. Also popular for pool fencing, PVC is customisable, durable, and quick to install.
The list of materials to choose from is more extensive than above but those are the most common fencing materials we construct as dividing fences between neighbours.
Formal communication
If a consensus cannot be reached that a fence must be erected, and you have tried to accommodate both perspectives, formalities are the next step in the form of a letter. This letter is called a notice to fence. This letter shows your intent to fix, replace, or build a fence—making it a point to highlight all the necessary information such as the fence type and material, timeframe, costs to be shared, and other details which means that you need to get the quotes first to then be able to present a proposal to your neighbour. To maintain relationships, it is advised to come to an arrangement between the two of you however, sometimes this is not a possibility.
The NSW Fencing regulations outline the responsibilities of all parties involved between neighbours’ in regard to dividing fences and are designed to help you settle disputes without requiring mediation or escalation. The act is only applicable if you cannot come to an arrangement between yourselves and have the following list in writing:
- Chosen material for the fence
- Height of fence
- Aesthetics (colour, shape, decorative features, etc)
- Removal of existing fence
- Cost and division of cost
Budget talks are usually straightforward: both parties will evenly pay for fencing construction costs. However, in the event that one side (either you or the neighbours) wants a fancier or another style, then they will have to shoulder the additional costs if both parties don’t see eye to eye with the additional requirements.
It is the aftercare costs that are vaguer. Repairs will depend on the type of damage and location of the issue. For existing fences with visible damages on both sides, the payment will be shouldered by both camps.
Conclusion
Dividing fences don’t have to create a problem between you and your neighbours. Even if it seems dealing with property issues might be a little overwhelming to solve on your own, you can always contact the local council for dispute settlement advice. The goal is to come up with an arrangement where both parties are on board, and if that is not a possibility, then reasonable formal action can be taken.
