Splitting the Cost of a Shared Fence Line

It is very common for abutting neighbors to share in the costs of a new fence line (and make the project more economical for all parties involved). When approaching a neighbor about sharing the cost of a fence line it is a good to ask your estimator(s) to figure those cost for you – so you can show the neighbors those figures and not a number that you have came up with. If there are kids or dogs involved the neighbor(s) will be more likely to want to participate in a new fence project (especially if the old fence is dilapidated). There are times when the home owner wants a more upper end fence style (Trex®, Simtek®, Fortress ®, or a more upper end wood (Cedar) fence style) and the neighbor may only be willing to split in the cost of a lower end fence style (that may match the existing fence that is being removed) – if that is the case ask your estimator to figure those costs for you – we would be more than happy to do that. When there is an existing fence line that needs removed we can also figure in those shared costs (not just the cost of the new fence). In some cases the shared lines may not be on the property line because of obstacles – such has retaining walls (rock walls), trees, utilities, pads, etc…  There are times when a survey may be needed – or there may be existing survey pins and a metal stud in the curb (in newer subdivisions).  But both parties (of a shared line) still receive the privacy that a fence line offers – even if it’s not exactly on the property line.

Estimator Steve: