The Benefits of Fencing Your Property
Fencing your property can be one of the best investments you make for your home or business. Not only do fences keep criminals out, they also make your property appear more spacious and sprawling from the street view. Additionally, they keep neighbors from claiming your land. Read on to learn more about the benefits of fencing your property. Keeping your home or business safe is essential for all homeowners, but there are many reasons you should consider fencing your property.
Fences Are A Property Accessory
Despite the fact that they are a common property accessory, they are still subject to specific review criteria. First of all, you must determine your property lines. It is important to determine where the boundary lines of your property are, since a fence cannot encroach on another parcel of land. Second, you must ensure that your fence is designed in a way that will not negatively impact nearby property values. Finally, you must obtain a building permit if you plan to build a fence.
A building permit is required for fences over ten feet in height. The height is measured from the grade of the lot, which can be six feet. If you are concerned about height, contact the residential building staff for information. However, you can build fences up to seven feet tall if you do not exceed the maximum setbacks for double frontage lots. You must also consider the material and size of the fence, as chain link, plastic, and polypropylene are not permitted in the city.
If you are constructing a fence on a corner lot, keep in mind that it will affect the neighbor’s view of your property. Depending on your plans, you may be restricted from building a fence within the corner of the lot because of a right-of-way. This is why the setbacks must be at least 20 feet away from the adjacent lot’s right-of-way. Once you obtain a fence permit, you will need to pay the permit fees.
They Help Deter Criminals From Planning A Break-In
Putting up a fence can deter burglars by making the property appear more secure. Thieves often choose to avoid a property with a fence, and this can deter them from planning a break-in. However, some homes don’t use any security systems. It may be enough to place a warning sign on the fence, or to get a security company to install a surveillance system.
Neighbors can also deter criminals from breaking into your property. Crimes are less likely to occur in neighborhoods with high traffic, and criminals will be hesitant to plan a break-in if they see a lot of foot traffic. You can also take care of your yard by mowing the lawn, watering your lawn, or bringing your garbage and recycling cans to the curb. Another way to deter burglars is by installing a fence or putting up shrubbery.
One of the easiest ways to deter thieves is to have a functioning alarm system and motion activated lighting. These two home security measures are proven to discourage burglars, but they don’t necessarily stop bad guys in their tracks. A dog barking loudly can help deter an intruder from considering your home as an attractive target. Also, by using lighting and security systems, you can deter criminals from planning a break-in and prevent them from making their plans.
Some people think that a chain-link fence is sufficient for property protection. In reality, chain-link fences are incredibly easy to breach and do not deter criminals from planning a break-in. In addition, chain-link fences offer many footholds for criminals. An amateur thief can simply cut a chain-link fence with bolt cutters. Other business owners try to increase security measures by hiring security guards, but this is often ineffective and can be expensive.
Another way to deter a break-in is to install alarms. These devices can be as simple as window and door locks. Having a house sitter, or even asking a neighbor to check on your property during your absence, can help deter intruders. Furthermore, the presence of a neighbor will give a burglar a hard time deciding to take advantage of your property.
They Make Your Property Look Bigger & Sprawling From The Street View
When considering the look of your property, consider whether you want a fence. While fences are usually seen as a good thing, you should think carefully about what your neighbors will think about them, as well. A fence is a great way to demarcate the boundary between your property and the neighbor’s. It will also help passersby to see the landscaping. You can find many different types of fences for your property, including wooden ones, modern ones, and modern and classic colonial homes. You can drop by a fencing supplies Essex depot or find one in your area. An online search is all it takes to locate a reputable supplier near you.
They Can Prevent Neighbors From Claiming Your Land
When you fence your property, you are ensuring your ownership of the space. When building a fence, make sure you clearly define your property line so that your neighbor cannot claim the space. If the fence encroaches on your neighbor’s land, notify the neighbor in writing of your intent to remove it. Then, once your neighbor has removed the fence, you can legally evict them from your land. To avoid lengthy legal battles, communicate in a respectful manner with your neighbor.
If you haven’t fenced your property for a long time, you can risk giving your neighbor the legal right to claim your land. This is known as adverse possession, which allows a neighbor to legally take over a part of your property after controlling it for a certain period of time. In some states, a neighbor can claim the rights to your land if you fail to repair or replace the fence.
Good fences are a great deterrent to bad neighbors, but there are times when your neighbor doesn’t respect the boundaries and encroaches onto your land. If this occurs, you should contact a real estate attorney in your area who will help you resolve the matter in the most beneficial way. In many cases, a simple rental agreement can prevent a neighbor from claiming your land within 20 years.
While a fence can deter encroaching neighbors, it can also protect your property by preventing them from using your property to build a fence. In some cases, informal driveway agreements are recorded in deeds, but they are not always reflected in the documents. However, if you believe a neighbor shares a driveway, the first step is to contact an attorney and have them review the deed. If they find out that the fence is not legal, contact the department of buildings.
One common problem for neighbors is tree trimming. While homeowners can trim branches on their own property, it is illegal for them to trespass or damage their neighbor’s tree. Whether it’s a dog chewing through a fence, a car accidentally crashing into the fence, or even a falling tree, the neighbor has a legal right to claim that piece of property belongs to them. When most people think about fencing their property, the first thing that comes to mind is security. And while it’s certainly true that a well-constructed fence can keep unwanted visitors out, there are a number of other benefits to consider as well. From adding value to your home to protecting your pets and children, fencing your property can be a wise investment. The abovementioned are just a few reasons you might want to consider fencing your property.
