Do I have to give my neighbor the good side of the fence
Fence Etiquette
Hey there, fence aficionados and neighborly folks of Menomonee Falls, WI! So you've been daydreaming about that
perfect picket fence to frame your garden or maybe a sturdy wooden fence to give Fido some room to roam. But wait, a thought pops into your head: "Do I have to give my neighbor the 'good side' of the fence?"
Aha! You've stumbled upon an age-old question that's been the root of neighborly debates and backyard banter for eons. You know, that "good side" or "finished side" that typically looks more polished and complete. Well, let's settle this once and for all!
First things first—what do the rules say? Legal codes and HOA rules can vary by location, so it's always a good idea to do your local homework. However, most places have a "Good Neighbor" fencing law or local ordinances that lean toward sharing the aesthetic love with the neighbors. In many cases, the finished side of the fence is supposed to face outward, toward the neighbor or the street. Yeah, it's like the neighborhood's unspoken rule of looking nice and presentable.
But here's the kicker—just because it's a general practice doesn't mean you're legally bound to do it (again, local rules may apply!). So, technically, you could give yourself the good side of the fence. But then you might become "that neighbor," and trust us, you don’t wanna be "that neighbor."
The "why" behind this tradition is kind of an unspoken agreement to keep the neighborhood looking neat and tidy. The idea is to present a harmonious view from the street or between properties. Makes sense, right? After all, you both have to live there, and nobody wants a staring contest with an ugly fence side while they're trying to enjoy their morning coffee on the patio.
So, what’s the best course of action? Communication is key. Strike up a friendly chat with your neighbor. Sometimes, your neighbor might not even care. Heck, they might be so excited about the new barrier between your yards that they'll throw in some cash or offer to help with the installation. On the flip side, they might have some strong feelings about getting the 'good side,' and that's when compromise comes into play.
If your neighbor insists on having the 'good side,' maybe you can negotiate some shared maintenance duties, or perhaps they can chip in for some of the costs. Fencing isn’t cheap, and sharing the burden can be a win-win.
Bottom line: While you may not HAVE to give your neighbor the good side of the fence, doing so is often considered good manners and could go a long way in maintaining a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. After all, fences may make good neighbors, but good neighbors make great communities.
That's our two cents. Happy fencing, Menomonee Falls! Feel free to
reach out to us, your local fence gurus at
Menomonee Falls Fence Company, if you have any more questions or if you’re ready to get that fence up! Cheers!
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