Argument with husband about fence

Akira

Hello, I'd like some advice and opinions, please:)
We had an extension done some months ago and a big bush had to go, it had grown into the fence, our fence, which is very old and now falling apart. We had many problems with my immediate neighbours(they tried to veto our application to extend), the one we share a wall with(it's a semi-detached house). Anyway, the fence is ours but in between our houses, and it was facing their patio for some reason. So, we decided to put a new fence panel up, and got a quote. The neighbours then decided to have all their fence changed, too- they have a fence in front of ours. They offered our fence guy some extra money to make our panel taller, and my husband said OK, but I did not agree. Lots of arguments later I said OK, but I want the fence turned our way, as it is not only our fence, but we will also change our existing fence next year and I want the panels all matching. Husband reckons I am being petty and said the fence guy would not be able to turn the fence our way, because of the extension(?). The fence guy I'm sure also wants to leave the fence turned into the neighbour's garden...they think I am a trouble maker. I want to make sure it's clear that's our fence, and, if the fence guy doesn't want to do as I want, I'm happy to get someone else to do the job I want. Now, do you think I am wrong? I read so much everywhere about disputes, I worry if the neighbours decide to sell, or whatever, someone else(or even them) could claim the fence as theirs. there's a good 30cm, at least, gap between the extension and fence. Please what do you think? Sorry for the long post and thank you:)

FiremanDave

Akira wrote: »

Hello, I'd like some advice and opinions, please:)
We had an extension done some months ago and a big bush had to go, it had grown into the fence, our fence, which is very old and now falling apart. We had many problems with my immediate neighbours(they tried to veto our application to extend), the one we share a wall with(it's a semi-detached house). Anyway, the fence is ours but in between our houses, and it was facing their patio for some reason. So, we decided to put a new fence panel up, and got a quote. The neighbours then decided to have all their fence changed, too- they have a fence in front of ours. They offered our fence guy some extra money to make our panel taller, and my husband said OK, but I did not agree. Lots of arguments later I said OK, but I want the fence turned our way, as it is not only our fence, but we will also change our existing fence next year and I want the panels all matching. Husband reckons I am being petty and said the fence guy would not be able to turn the fence our way, because of the extension(?). The fence guy I'm sure also wants to leave the fence turned into the neighbour's garden...they think I am a trouble maker. I want to make sure it's clear that's our fence, and, if the fence guy doesn't want to do as I want, I'm happy to get someone else to do the job I want. Now, do you think I am wrong? I read so much everywhere about disputes, I worry if the neighbours decide to sell, or whatever, someone else(or even them) could claim the fence as theirs. there's a good 30cm, at least, gap between the extension and fence. Please what do you think? Sorry for the long post and thank you:)

I think you need to do as your husband say. Hopefully the backhander won't hurt too much when he realises you're not in the kitchen.

Seriously is it worth it over a fence panel. Turn it round if it makes you happy I'm sure the neighbours are clear who owns it if they've erected their own. Just glad I don't live next door to you.

Akira

Firemandave, I'm not really sure what you mean, but it sounds a bit Victorian and chauvinistic? I'm glad I don't live near you either!

Southend1

I don't get it. Why does it matter which way the fence is turned round? And if it is important to you that you want it turned round surely you can just do it yourself after the fence man leaves?

globalds

It is courtesy to have the good side of a fence facing your neighbour

Southend1

globalds wrote: »

It is courtesy to have the good side of a fence facing your neighbour

The neighbours have their own fence in front of OP's if I am understanding this correctly, so it wouldn't matter to the neighbour which way round it was.

globalds

No one wants to be seen as discourteous.

Southend1

globalds wrote: »

No one wants to be seen as discourteous.

If only that were true!

Norman_Castle

Having the fence posts out of site makes sense especially as that side of the fence is unseen by both you and the neighbor.. The fencing contractor is employed by you. If they are not willing to do what you want use a different one.

Take pictures of the current fence and keep receipts if you are worried about future disputes.

General_query

Many a relationship has broken down due to the woman's reluctance to trim a big bush...

Akira

Hello all, many thanks for all the replies; I will try to explain where the fence is, sorry but English is not my first language:) the houses and patio are higher than the garden, so this fence panel is almost the length of the patio, plus the next panel is going downwards toward the lowered garden(hope you can understand). So the neighbour built his fence in front of the garden fence(s) but not the patio panel, and that's the one I want faced my way. When we did the extension, even though the neighbour was against it and told the planning depto so, we still built a really nice brick wall facing their garden, instead of breeze blocks. The problem is, with this neigbours, they always want more. When my husband went to their property to talk about replacing that panel. they said they wanted the other panel replaced, too- the ones they put up, and is falling apart(like the rest of their fence) as it's bad quality. The neigbours offered to pay for a new, higher fence, about 3-4 years ago and I said no, as it's my responsibility. Luckily, too, as their fence is awful. We actually let them attach their fence panels to some of our panels, and our posts. So we have been pretty OK as neighbours. But that's my fence and I want it facing my home, like every other house has around here. I am getting nervous, though, as the fence guy is coming tomorrow and because the neighbour is changing all his fence, he will want to do them all facing the neighbours garden. What then when I change my panels? Another thing, I don't want their facing attached to ours anymore, because of that reason also. Unfortunately there's no such thing as fence courtesy, and I have been courteous enough. Could someone advise me how and what to say to the fence man, please...I'm thinking about talking to the neighbour directly. Thank you all:)