If you’re thinking of installing a new fence, or even repairing an existing one, it pays to consult a professional fencing contractor.

In the case of shared fences between your property and a neighbours, you will also need to consult your neighbour.

Fences are a joint asset co-owned by neighbours. Usually, neighbours equally share the cost of erecting and maintaining a fence. That also means that both neighbours get an equal say in the type and cost of fencing used. These sorts of negotiations have the potential to go very badly, a fencing contractor can often have valuable advice to assist with this kind of discussion and may even act as a kind of neutral third party.

If a dispute arises over the cost or design, generally the law states that a fence should meet the requirements of the occupier, and be a type that is common for the area. If one neighbour wants a more expensive fence, the other neighbour should only have to pay half the cost of the standard type of fence in the local area. The extra cost must be paid by the neighbour who wants the more expensive fence. Once you have reached an agreement, be sure to put that agreement in writing with signatures and the date. Keeping these types of records may save you alot of time and aggravation further down the line.