I’m a privacy fence expert – six tips on how to keep the peace while still installing your own… and height is paramount
JAYE Harrison, the founder of partiesmadepersonal.com, has plenty of experience dealing with privacy partitions while organising garden parties for clients.
She reveals her top tips to avoid a feud over your fence.
COLLABORATE WITH NEIGHBOURS: Involve your neighbours in the process.
Ask them for their thoughts on the fence design.
They might surprise you with some nifty ideas and, who knows, you may end up unexpected besties.
SUGGEST SPLITTING THE COST: If it is a boundary fence, they might be willing to split the cost, which makes for a friendlier atmosphere.
You would be surprised how many neighbours are just as sick of you as you are of them.
KEEP IT STYLISH: Fences should not just be blocks of wood hammered into the ground.
A good-looking fence can increase the value of both properties, so get your paint brush out and be creative.
RESPECT THE RULES: Make sure the fence does not violate local regulations.
The last thing you need is a telling-off from the council putting a spanner in the works.
CONSIDER THE HEIGHT: While the aim is to keep prying eyes out, an excessively tall fence might come across as very hostile, so do not go too over the top.
Six foot is probably fair.
THROW A PARTY: Once the fence is finished, have a party and invite next door to show there are no hard feelings.