Question about a fence

[R!zz0]

Hey everyone,

We bought a home and our possession date is not until May 2017. Our one side neighbor already built a fence. Do i have to pay him although i wasn't there when he built it? I don't mind paying, but i am curious.

[roopi]

No you don't have to (legally). Depends what kind of neighbor you want to be.

[ExtraSlow]

Well, probably not technically, but you should unless it's a total eyesore. you have to live next to this person, better to start off the the right foot.

[FraserB]

Has he approached you to pay for half? I'd also find out if it is on the property line or totally on his side.

[R!zz0]

No he hasn't approached me. I don't even know who lives there, but i will find out about the property line :)

[JordanEG6]

You legally don't have to, but I would offer to do so in good faith, just because you are neighbors. If he declines, offer to buy him a case a beer as a friendly neighborly gesture lol.

[revelations]

Even if he doesent mention it, just get them beer regardless.

[s2k_boi]

Originally posted by revelations
Even if he doesent mention it, just get them beer regardless.

What if you buy them a case of beer and they send you a bill? Now you're out a case of beer :poosie:

Like everyone said. It's probably a nice thing to do, but not legally required. As a side note.... I know one specific builder in our area included landscaping and fencing. If you can find out who there builder was and see if they built it.

[gwill]

No one in their right mind would expect to get paid for something they did on their own.

You're not obligated nor will your neighbor even bring it up. If he did hes a total ass.

[codetrap]

.

[Minimalist]

You'll be using half the fence, the neighbour has taken the hassle and noise out of your life by getting it built early. Offering to pay half sets the tone for your relationship going forward. Beyond has so many threads about neighbour issues, so choose to start your new relationship out on a positive foundation.

*all the above is post due diligence, with survey and a receipt for the fence build. The case of beer cheap-ass suggestion is so insulting to your neighbour. The suggestion is odd unless the case of beer has a cheque in it for half the price of the fence build. Cheque in case (or bottle of wine), is not a bad idea, sets a better tone and bit of a story as well.

[jwslam]

Re: your issue.
In your case, I personally wouldn't mention anything as they decided to build it so it'd be on their dime.

My neighbour is in the process of redoing our fence. He's damn awesome.

It's pretty much exactly where it was (Do I really care if it's a bit over on either side?)

He's doing all the work himself. When I offered to help, obviously my skills were inadequate. When I offered him money, he's only billing me for half the materials no labour. I got a pretty good deal; I could've paid for all the materials and it would've been a good deal still lol.

Gonna derail the thread now, re: buying him beer. Where do I find those advent calendar boxes of 24 different brews?

[roopi]

Originally posted by jwslam
Where do I find those advent calendar boxes of 24 different brews?

I'm not completely sure but I thought those were seasonal so you will see them in liquor stores in November. I know Coop has them for sure during November/December.

[mr2mike]

Exactly, a case of beer is nowhere close to fence labour build cost. Plus he increased your home value too.

[Kloubek]

In my opinion, he had no way of knowing whether or not you wanted a fence there. He went ahead with building, even though he had no guarantees of compensation from you at all. You are under no legal or even moral obligation, imo. He also got the "good side" of the fence for his full payment.

With that said, I'm sure anybody would appreciate a kickback of funds. It would show you are a stand-up guy, and help foster a strong relationship with your neighbour.

Once you move in, I'm curious as to whether he would bring it up or not and try to hit you up for funds.

[Nufy]

Originally posted by jwslam
Re: your issue.
In your case, I personally wouldn't mention anything as they decided to build it so it'd be on their dime.

My neighbour is in the process of redoing our fence. He's damn awesome.

It's pretty much exactly where it was (Do I really care if it's a bit over on either side?)

He's doing all the work himself. When I offered to help, obviously my skills were inadequate. When I offered him money, he's only billing me for half the materials no labour. I got a pretty good deal; I could've paid for all the materials and it would've been a good deal still lol.

Gonna derail the thread now, re: buying him beer. Where do I find those advent calendar boxes of 24 different brews?

Yeah my neighbor did the same thing.

He wanted to re-do the fence between our places. As well he was planning to do it on his days off where I would be working.

The new fence was on the side of my property that I don't really use but faced his deck / yard.

I paid for half materials and he did everything else and was quit happy to do so.

He actually built a neighbor friendly fence where by we both get a good side.

I told him to build what ever he wanted as it was his time and labor.

[roopi]

Originally posted by Kloubek

Once you move in, I'm curious as to whether he would bring it up or not and try to hit you up for funds.

I had my fence done before my neighbor bought the home next to me. They are great neighbors and we talk frequently. I never did ask him to pay for half it.

[jwslam]

Originally posted by Nufy
I paid for half materials and he did everything else and was quit happy to do so.

He actually built a neighbor friendly fence where by we both get a good side.
Yea the part he has built so far for us is nicely finished on both sides.
The portion he built so far, he told me the materials were something in the range of $170. I gave him 2 x $100 bills I had on me and told him not to worry about it; he was still desperate to find me change :nut: :nut:

[roopi]

$170 for materials? How much has he built so far?

[jwslam]

Originally posted by roopi
$170 for materials? How much has he built so far?
3 panels. And he hand dug the old posts up, dug the holes deeper, and filled it back up with a shit tonne of concrete which he hand mixed.

[Pauly Boy]

Our current house was a new build with nothing done. We have a dog, so landscaping and a fence were priority number one, less so for neighbours.

I solved my problem and told both neighbours we were doing the fence, we were deciding how it was done, and we would be receiving none of their imput or money, lol. Since it's a cul-de-sac on a hill with alley, I also wanted a 2ft retaining wall to keep my yard level, and didn't want to argue with either of them since that added thousands to the cost.