Fence Replacement - Neighbour Has Given Me Two Quotes

Unacceptable on 17/08/2024 - 16:28
Last edited 17/08/2024 - 17:36 by 1 other user

I got a letter in the letter box, from my next neighbour's real estate agent, asking for fence installation costs to share.

It included two quotes from their contractors and says the fence is unrepairable and requires a new installation. ($6k in total for one side, $3k for my portion).

The fence sharing with the neighbour is actually in good condition and I would never think of doing anything, but (edited**) the other side of the neighbour fence sharing with another neighbour needs a definite replacement as I see that there are props installed against the leaning fence.

No neighbour nor the agent has come in contact with me to discuss about this.

What should I do?

Home & Garden Fence

Comments

  • Eeples on 18/08/2024 - 18:56

    Are the quotes for the rebuilding of the fence just your fence?

    If you can’t tell ring the contractors and find out. Ie. ask them how many metres of fencing are they quoting for.

  • qwerty-4321 on 18/08/2024 - 20:36

    A cautionary tale for you to consider:

    The previous owners of my house were approached by my current neighbours about getting their dividing fence upgraded. There was nothing wrong with the existing fence, they just wanted consistency in their fences across all sides. I believe the other two neighbours of this neighbour agreed to the upgrade and shared costs.

    The 3rd neighbour (the previous owner of my house) refused, so my neighbours just built a slightly taller fence right next to the dividing fence, effectively screening out the fence they couldn't upgrade.

    The problem is that the void between the two fences is infested with vermin, leaf litter and weeds. It is also only around 300mm wide, so impossible to keep clean. It is also against council rules, but half my neighbour's house is full of shoddy renovations so its not surprising.

    My advice to you is that it is better for you to talk with your neighbor and reach an agreement then ignore these things and hope they go away. You may end up worse off if you're not willing to take a seat at the table.

    • McFly on 18/08/2024 - 22:42
      +12

      That's great. Just pull down your fence and you've scored yourself 300mm free land!

      • qwerty-4321 on 19/08/2024 - 06:25

        This is what we are probably going to do. Unfortunately their screening fence is hideous on our side, since no one cared about the aesthetics between the two fences, so we would want to put something up in place of our removed fence. That would technically involve building on their land.

        • McFly on 19/08/2024 - 21:18

          Now it's getting "complicated".

  • mauricem on 19/08/2024 - 00:01

    If it looks like it's going to court and photos are inconclusive eg they argue its rotting out below ground level then an opinion from a builder or carpenter that the fence is sound and should last another x years would carry a lot of weight (the opinion not fence LOL).
    If you don't know any tradies you'll probably need to pay for the written report but it would be a lot less than half a new fence. $100 max I would hope!

    • OzzyOzbourne on 19/08/2024 - 18:02

      Doubt a tradie would get out of bed for only $100

  • Steptoe on 19/08/2024 - 02:24

    Definitely respond. Ask for a report stating the condition of the adjoining fence. Tell them that you consider the existing fence to be "sufficient". Include photos as proof if you want. Tell them you are open to discuss replacement the fence at their own cost if they want to upgrade, but colour and style by negotiation. You aren't liable for any costs if they start without agreement or legal ruling. Mediation is next step if they still push, followed by a ruling if you can't come to an agreement. You will be liable for 1/2 a timber fence cost if it's deemed the fence needs replacing. Your photos will help here.

    "An adjoining owner who desires to carry out fencing work involving a dividing fence of a standard greater than the standard for a sufficient dividing fence is liable for the fencing work to the extent to which it exceeds the standard for a sufficient dividing fence."
    https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/curre…

  • dachosenone on 19/08/2024 - 02:48
    +1

    What amazes me here, is the lies people will say to avoid something.

    Why do some feel the need to say, "I have no money," to absolve themselves of responsibility.

    There's no need to be a coward about it. If you feel it doesn't need to be replaced then you don't have to replace it. If it ends up at tribunal,where fencing matters in NSW are heard, do you think judge will accept the "help me, I'm poor" defence?

    • AnotherRedLight on 20/08/2024 - 15:17
      -1

      But its not OP's responsibility to replace a fence not in a state of disrepair?

      Sometimes a small white lie is just the easiest way to avoid a larger problem.

      When people find out you do have plenty of money, their expectations change of you.

      • dachosenone on 20/08/2024 - 20:59
        -2

        Who said anything about the fence state, lying is whats cowards do and reflects the calibre of person you are.

        Didnt know you need plenty of money to change a fence.

        • AnotherRedLight on 21/08/2024 - 13:45
          -1

          The entire premise of this thread is that OP's neighbor wants OP to replace a fence that is in good condition.

          Your argument is that "to absolve themselves of responsibility" so your entire comment is irrelevant.

          Thank you for your time,
          No further comments your grace.

          • dachosenone on 21/08/2024 - 21:08
            -2

            @AnotherRedLight: You're saying lying is fine, to avoid a larger problem. Would you like your partner to give you a "small white lie" as the easiest way out?

            Having a couple of thousand dollars or so to change a fence means, in your mind, the world lines up for a handout.

            Is that you Elon in disguise?

  • DontNeedThis on 19/08/2024 - 08:09

    I misread the title as "Face Replacement" first and thought, are we there already? And that must be a damn good looking neighbour.

    • holdenmg on 19/08/2024 - 08:29
      +2

      From the movie Face/Off (1997)

      • DontNeedThis on 19/08/2024 - 09:00
        +1

        Nah, this is a prequel, "Face Replacement: Neighbour's Side"

  • holdenmg on 19/08/2024 - 09:06

    Stratco Fence Ad from the '80s
    https://youtu.be/9ZU_jgKr_zs?si=44BueWFKBiTyTT16

  • Caped Baldy on 19/08/2024 - 10:07

    I haven't read through but you should definitely document and take pictures of the fence and email them to yourself for the date.

    They might just replace it and try to bill you for it. So you should cover your ass.

  • RocketSwitch on 19/08/2024 - 10:08
    -2

    I always thought fence replacement should be added via rates, council hires the guys doing it and when it's time, the cost is automatically added. I have learned that fence replacement is great with civil people, but then you get the crazy neighbours who will battle you to the end to ever pay for a fence, they rather have it fall down. Not sure what's wrong with people. I share a fence with 4 of them lol

    • McFly on 19/08/2024 - 21:18

      fence replacement is great with civil people, but then you get the crazy council involved…

      FTFY

      • RocketSwitch on 20/08/2024 - 09:26

        You must have nice neighbours around you. Good for you.

        • McFly on 20/08/2024 - 09:53

          I wish! But that is not the point.

          • RocketSwitch on 20/08/2024 - 09:57

            @McFly: It is the point, that's the ENTIRE point because it's the difference of you spending $6k than half and if you have poor neighbours, that's it, you have to fork up that amount in total and no council involvement, but apparently that's better than "crazy" council and judging by the downvotes.

  • zathras on 19/08/2024 - 10:10

    The RE agent is just incompetent and got the address wrong.
    He was supposed to send it to the other neghbour, but added 2 to the address of the complainant instead of subtracting 2 (or vice versa).

    You can fix the issue by putting the letter in the mailbox of the other neighbour whose fence is falling down.

  • trapper on 19/08/2024 - 11:27

    If the fence directly between you and the neighbor is in acceptable condition (ie not needing repair or replacement) then you won't need to pay anything for this elective fence upgrade.

    But you need to raise this objection with your neighbor now, would also be wise to document the condition of the existing fence.

    If you don't do anything you will likely end up being required to pay half the costs for the section of new fence that is directly between your two properties.

  • hangdog on 19/08/2024 - 14:17

    You might also want to see if the fence can be repaired, rather than replaced. This can be a whole lot cheaper.

  • raiseyoursteaks on 20/08/2024 - 07:51

    If you're in Melbourne eastern suburbs I know a guy, Trevor the Fencer. Google him. Once my fence was smashed by a tree, and my insurer insisted on Taylor's which quoted around $2300. Trevor fixed the portion of mine for $850 ish. And it wasn't shoddy job, sometimws it makes me wonder all how these quotes can vary..

  • joelmuzz on 20/08/2024 - 10:28
    +1

    They are just fishing for an easy agreement to pay half of their new matching fence.
    Just document that the fence is in decent condition with good pictures and video of you giving it a shake, make sure to check+prove there arent braces on the other side giving it temporary support. Evidence is just incase they do go ahead and replace it and then fake their own evidence of it falling down, which is very unlikely to happen but at least you are protected from lies by 15 minutes of effort.

    Send them a reply saying it is fine and you will refuse any further requests to replace it while it remains fine.
    99% thats the end of their fishing expedition. They may come back with negotiations for you to volunteer to pay for a smaller portion of a newer better fence, which may be worth considering if the current fence only has 5 years left in it.

  • johno3456 on 20/08/2024 - 11:57

    Do not panic or stress about it.

    As the real estate agent provided the letter, I assume the neighbour's property is being rented out.
    First check the address, as others have noted perhaps it was intended for their other neighbour.

    Take photos or video of your joining fence and your other fences and of those of the neighbours other fences. Inspect the uprights, perhaps they are rotten on his side.
    Perhaps get a quote to repair or replace the same style and height of fence from a fencer, if you can get one to turn up, on the basis that the neighbour reckons it needs to be done. All evidence for later.

    Consider whether you want a free replacement fence and whether you are happy to frustrate your neighbour.

    You could be nice and write an email to the agent, telling them that they probably mean the other neighbour as your fence is fine and does not need replacing. Perhaps tell them if they want to replace a serviceable fence, they can do it at their own cost.

    You could be nasty and ignore their letter assuming it is a mistake. Normally their fencer will seek an advance from yourself, which you ignore. If the neighbour then pays your half and later demands costs, you could ignore it as many matters do not go to the review.
    But if they take to review, you can rock up with your photos and quote and tell them that your side of the fence was fine and did not need to be replaced.

    Typically, you will know that they are serious about it if they send a formal fencing notice by registered mail and they will need to set out a proper reason for replacing the fence. Updating the style or matching their other fences is not a proper reason.

  • Drakesy on 20/08/2024 - 17:16

    What's your definition of "Good Condition" OP

    Photos plz.

    If it's structurally sound they can fork out for the whole thing.

    If its an old asbestos jobby/falling apart split it 50/50

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