Neighbour row erupts as homeowner fumes over ‘awful’ DIY fence – before she is charged half the cost
A homeowner has found herself in an uncomfortable situation after her neighbour installed a “poorly constructed” DIY fence between their properties and demanded payment for half the costs.
The dispute arose when the neighbour took it upon himself to replace the old fencing without proper consultation.
The fence, featuring uneven wooden slats, has become a source of growing tension between the neighbours.
According to the woman’s account on social media, her neighbour initially approached her about replacing the old fence, stating he would handle the installation himself.
“He said that he would be able to fit it and he’d just charge me for my half and not to worry,” she wrote on Reddit.
Rather than discussing options collaboratively, the neighbour presented it as a fait accompli.
“He was basically telling me what he was going to do rather than asking, he’s that kind of neighbour,” she added.
She initially agreed, planning to renovate her garden the following summer.
Problems emerged as soon as the work began, with the woman finding the initial panels “not very nice looking” and barely acceptable.
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She paid £38 for the first set after receiving a payment request through her door.
However, when two more panels were installed, she was dismayed by their appearance and received another £30 bill.
“I have found normal looking panels for just £25 each where each of us have a good side,” she noted.
The woman expressed reluctance to confront her neighbour about the fence quality, citing his domineering personality.
“I don’t really like speaking to him because I find him overpowering,” she explained.
“He’s come into my front garden before and cut things without my permission on several occasions… things that did not need cutting and not on his property.”
Despite having “polite words” about these incidents, she said the behaviour has persisted.
Taking to social media for advice, the homeowner received several practical suggestions for resolving the fence dispute.
One user recommended installing a separate fence behind the neighbour’s construction, though noted that “conflict with your neighbours is a road to misery.”
Others suggested a more natural solution, with another commenting: “Or plant a nice hedge. Much nicer to look at and the birds and other wildlife will thank you.”