Fencing Tips to Avoid Neighbor Disputes in Texas

May 29, 2015

Often, customers install vinyl fences in Dallas because they want privacy from their neighbors and passers-by. It’s ironic, then, that fences can cause many of the disputes they’re meant to help avoid. Putting in a new fence on your property without consulting your neighbors. Or without following proper neighbor etiquette, is like asking for trouble. To help you avoid any neighborly disputes over your vinyl fence, we’ve put together some tips for installing your new fence dispute-free.

Things You Should Do When Installing a Fence

There are a few things you definitely must do when installing a new vinyl fence, such as:

Check the Property Lines

Another fencing tip is to look at property lines which is one of the biggest causes of fencing disputes, so it’s vital that you check the property lines before getting your new fence installed. Don’t just rely on where your old fence was or what you’ve always thought the property line was.


Doing so could land you in hot water if your neighbor takes issue with the fence. Instead, hire a surveyor and study the property map or plats to be absolutely sure your fence is where it’s supposed to be. You can also ask your Dallas vinyl fence company to install your fence slightly inside the property line to be sure it’s safe.

Obey Fencing Regulations

Every township has its own specific code rules and regulations for fencing, and not knowing what they are isn’t an excuse for doing the job wrong. Your vinyl fence company will probably know the rules for your area, but double-check your fence against the code before it goes up.


If you don’t, you could be forced to tear it all down and redo it on your own dime, plus pay a fine. A non-regulation fence can also affect your neighbor’s property values, leaving them upset.

Respect Your HOA

If your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association, make sure to clear your fencing project with them beforehand. Just like with city codes, you’ll need to either provide the HOA with plans or run the design by them to ensure it fits within their statutes.


If it doesn’t, they might fine you or order you take it down – and your neighbors might also complain about your non-regulation fence. It’s much easier to get the proper clearance first than to deal with all the headaches after.


In addition, there are a few other things you can do that, while not strictly required, are definitely nice gestures to your neighbors and community:

Share Fencing Intents Beforehand

One good idea that will help smooth over any potential fencing disputes is to let them know about your plans to install a new fence before you begin the installation. You don’t necessarily have to show them your plans – the fence is on your property, after all – but it can help if you think your neighbor might be interested in paying for part of it.


However, you should show them where you intend to place the fence. Let them know if there are any property line problems you discovered when you ordered the survey.

Ensure Your Fence Doesn’t Stand Out

A sure way to invite the ire of your neighborhood is to install a fence that looks out-of-place for its surroundings. Even if you personally like a particular fencing style, try to match the look of your neighbors’ houses and fences to keep the neighborhood looking good.


A vinyl fence is a great way to keep your property looking nice season after season since they don’t break down or rot over time. They also come in a variety of colors and styles to match the look of any neighborhood or development.

Install it the Right Way Around

In addition to choosing a fence design that matches the look of your neighborhood. You should also install your fence so that the fence rail (if your design includes one) is on the inside. One benefit of vinyl fencing is that the panels often look the same on both sides, making it easy to get a clean and finished look on both the inside and outside of your fence. With a vinyl fence, there’s no “nice side” to worry about – every side is the nice one!

Maintain the Fence

Our last fencing tip for when you install a fence on your property, it’s your duty to take care of it and make sure it looks good on both sides. Vinyl fences are a perfect way to lower your maintenance obligations. Vinyl doesn’t need heavy cleaning or staining to keep it looking good year after year – it will keep its good looks for a long time all on its own.


Hopefully, these fencing tips helped! Wanting to know more about installing a fence in the DFW without causing neighborhood disputes? Call us today at Future Outdoors® located in Dallas Texas! We’re the number one provider of vinyl fence and vinyl structures in the Dallas-Forth Worth metro, and we’d be happy to bring our experience and expertise to your vinyl fence project. Just call today at (972) 576-1600 or visit our Facebook or Twitter pages to learn more.

Recent Posts

May 13, 2025
There is plenty of information on the internet about building and installing your own vinyl fence. However, that doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea to do it yourself. There are a few advantages that you get from working with a professional fence installer like Future Outdoors. Advantages of Professional Fence Installation Time Savings One of the biggest advantages of having your fence installed professionally is saving time versus installing it yourself. Fence installations can be tricky and time consuming, especially if you don’t have much experience. However, our experienced fence crew can install a new fence in just a day or two – and you won’t have to do any of the work yourself. Financial Savings Another major advantage of working with a professional fence installer is that you can actually save money. Depending on the type of fence you want to install you will need to buy materials, tools, and hardware such as screws, nails, or brackets. You will also need to factor in the costs of material delivery and the removal of any waste or old fence materials. In contrast, the cost of a professional fence install takes all of these factors into account. Plus, professionals have the tools and equipment they need already, and can buy materials in bulk at a discount. These savings are factored into your costs, so you often end up paying less than you would when you install on your own. Higher Quality Fence installations can be tricky. It’s important to make sure all the posts are set deep enough, totally secure, and standing straight and level. The panels need to be secure, level, and properly lined up. Corner angles must be measured correctly, and gates need be be secure and strong. If you don’t have the necessary skills or experience, it’s likely you could make a mistake that affects the quality of your finished fence. Professional fence installers, on the other hand, do have the necessary skills. They can install your fence quickly and without mistakes, and even guarantee the quality of your new fence with a warranty. In other words, you don’t just get a higher quality fence – you also get peace of mind. Less Stress Along with ensuring a higher quality result, having your fence installed by Future Outdoors also ensures you don’t need to worry about it. Installing your fence yourself can be stressful, especially if you are trying to get it done quickly or do it in your free time. When you get your fence installed, you don’t need to worry about the process and simply get to enjoy the result. No Code Violations Finally, getting your fence installed ensures you won’t suffer from any legal problems. Codes and permits can be big obstacles to DIY fence installations, especially if your home is part of an HOA. You will likely need to provide plans to your local permit office and get the necessary permits for your area. When you work with Future Outdoors to have your fence installed, though, you don’t need to do any of this work. We take care of all the permits for you, and ensure your fence is built according to code. Call Future Outdoors Today If you’re interested in getting a new fence at the best price, without the stress of installing yourself, give us a call today at Future Outdoors. We can help you choose the best fence for your needs and get it installed easily. Call (972) 576-1600 today or visit us on Facebook to see pictures and read reviews from previous customers.
April 14, 2020
Everyone dreams of having the perfect backyard. The house that has the perfect garden or the go-to spot for all the cookouts and pool parties. Whether you just moved to the Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex or you want to make some renovations to increase your property value, this will be your roadmap for landscaping in 2020! Future Outdoors is the go-to outdoors expert in the DFW area here in Texas.
September 3, 2018
One of the biggest considerations is what material you want your pergola made from. Many pergolas these days are made of wood, but that doesn’t mean wood is the best choice. A wood pergola has all the same problems that a wood deck or fence has. Namely, wood pergolas need regular upkeep and maintenance, and they are vulnerable to moisture, insects, and time.
By Website Admins July 4, 2018
A new fence is a big investment for a home. Fences last many years, and in many ways, they define the look of the property. If you’re considering getting a new fence, price is one of the biggest factors you’ll have to consider – but how do you know if your contractor is giving you a good price?
June 11, 2018
When it comes time to sell a house, one of the first things many people do is start thinking about improvements that could help it sell faster or at a better price. Many people opt for common jobs like new kitchen cabinets or a bathroom remodel, but a new fence can actually be a great way to help your home sell faster.