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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

About a garden hedge?!

38 replies

MaiaRindell · 31/07/2018 18:02

My next door neighbours would like to replace the fence that separates our gardens. The current one is very old. I agree that removing it would be a vast improvement. There is a long hedge which ends then there's a stretch of fence so we need about 4 metres replaced. I have been asked to contribute £800.

I explained I couldn't afford this. I suggested continuing the hedge with some new plants but they don't want this. I'm a single parent and £800 is two month's child support! I have said I can borrow some money from my sister and give a maximum of £400.

Now they are ignoring me. They are usually very nice and friendly so I'm hoping they feel awkward rather than embarrassed. But I don't know what to say or do now.
Are fences really that expensive?...now I'm wondering if they are CFs.

OP posts:
Racecardriver · 31/07/2018 18:04

Is it their fence? Of so it's their responsibility and there is no reason why they should expect you to pay unless you want to dictate how it looks.

Lazypuppy · 31/07/2018 18:06

Check deeds to see who owns the fences

MrTrebus · 31/07/2018 18:06

Whose fence is it? You shouldn't be contributing at all if it's their fence?

TopShagger · 31/07/2018 18:09

£800 for 4 metres of fencing is absolutely insane money. I installed mine my self and it's way longer than 4 metres, cost about £100 in materials.

Anyway, who owns it? It could be shared but it's usually the case that one side owns it. It comes down to whos land it's on. An often easy way to tell is to see who has the 'nice' side and who has the 'ugly side'

TopShagger · 31/07/2018 18:10

Actually, thinking about it again, if £800 is your contribution, presumably theirs is the same so £1600 for 4 metres?! Are you sure you haven't misheard them?!

Original poster
MaiaRindell · 31/07/2018 18:11

I assumed it was shared. I had no idea it may not be my responsibility.

OP posts:
44PumpLane · 31/07/2018 18:13

£800 for half of a 4m long fence is ridiculous!
Get a quote yourself and find out how much a standard fence costs, or do you have a handy relative (or are you handy) as like a prior poster said it’s not expensive to sort a fence yourself.

They are taking the piss!

Original poster
MaiaRindell · 31/07/2018 18:13

@topshagger no. Definitely correct. I said I couldn't afford it and they asked what I can afford. To be honest, I can't really afford anything but I don't want to be rude or obstructive. They helped me move some furniture the other day and are usually very nice so I do want to pay my share. I just don't think we need an expensive fence.

OP posts:
TopShagger · 31/07/2018 18:20

I understand you don't want to be awkward OP, but that quote is BONKERS. I live rural (very) so I know a thing or two about fencing and there's no way it needs to cost that much. Not even close.

Out of interest why aren't they keen on the more hedge idea? Hedge is much nicer than fence (my own opinion, granted) but seeing as you already have hedge...

GladAllOver · 31/07/2018 18:23

First find out who owns the fence.

GladAllOver · 31/07/2018 18:24

fence - - boundary

Confusedbeetle · 31/07/2018 18:25

Fences are never shared

Dodie66 · 31/07/2018 18:27

We had about that length of fence done and it was only half that price. If it’s not your fence don’t pay anything

c3pu · 31/07/2018 18:28

That's nuts. Check the deeds and see who owns the fence.

BMW6 · 31/07/2018 18:30

If it is your responsibility - tell them sorry I simply cannot afford to replace, but when you can you will install a fence that you can afford.
If it is their responsibility - tell them sorry it is your fence so I will not be contributing.

EdisonLightBulb · 31/07/2018 18:35

I paid £1k for fifteen metres of fencing six foot height with new posts and toppings. Removal of old fencing etc too.

EdisonLightBulb · 31/07/2018 18:35

Posted too soon - about seven years ago!

Whatsthisbear · 31/07/2018 18:40

Way too expensive. Our neighbour had their front fenced and the guy doing theirs offered to do ours- including removing and disposing of existing hedge, putting in the concrete base/gravel boards and supply of 4 fence panels of 6ft wide x 6 ft high & all labour costs for £600. He was only asking because he was doing theirs, we declined because we like our hedge. That’s just over 7 metres.

Do you live in a very expensive area? Are they London prices?

In terms of neighbourly relations we have always shared costs to replace fence panels in the back garden if they have been storm damaged regardless of who owns them but if you can’t affoed it you need to let them know before they go ahead and expect a contribution!

VeniVidiWeeWee · 31/07/2018 18:45

Confused

You're wrong.

TwitterQueen1 · 31/07/2018 18:49

Do NOT pay anything. As others have said, first; find out who owns the fence (from your deeds). If it's not you, don't pay anything. If it is you, it's nothing to do with them and if you can't afford it, don't do it.

gnomeisland · 31/07/2018 18:52

4m of fencing to replace? That's 2 fencing panels and 3 posts at the most.
£800 is way too much for that.

Have they shown you a breakdown of the costs and explained the fencing system they are going to use?

HoleyCoMoley · 31/07/2018 18:53

We only paid 1,000 to have 10 fence panels removed, new concrete posts, gravel boards and new fence panels. You can buy fence panels 6 foot wide for about 25 pounds, check if it's a shared fence, take photos and if you do want to contribute get your own 3 quotes, you can look up checkatrade for someone to come and have a look. If the posts are ok and it's only the panels that need replacing that's easy peasy to do with 2 strong people.

LOL7 · 31/07/2018 18:56

I suspect they can't afford it either and we're hoping you would happily give the £800 which would cover the full cost. £1600 seems far too much money for such a little fence replacement!

Munchmallow · 31/07/2018 18:56

Confused fences are often (always?) shared in Scotland.

HoleyCoMoley · 31/07/2018 19:00

Our fence is shared, we split the costs.