Issues With New Fence

jazzilla on 18/08/2023 - 10:08

Hello,

We live in Victoria and are building in a new estate.

Our neighbour behind us put up a fence and are now wanting us to pay our half.

Firstly, the neighbour did not seek our approval before getting the fence built. We received a letter in the mail from them after it was built.

After inspecting the fence, we found it to be of poor quality and didn't feel comfortable paying until it was resolved.

The pictures below show how a lot of the timber isn't straight, nails hanging out and things aren't even.

Should we just suck it up, pay for the fence and be left with the poor craftmanship or not pay until the fencers return to fix the fence?

Or would we find this is what we're stuck with?

What are your thoughts on the quality?

https://imgur.com/a/SjF38qX

https://imgur.com/a/m50nTel

https://imgur.com/a/8ESmciR

Home & Garden

Comments

  • DarwinBoy on 19/08/2023 - 08:35

    Get a price for pailings for your side of the fence and minus that off $470.
    If you didn't get a chance to discuss who got pailings and flip a coin for it then no way I'd be paying half.

  • jrvb42 on 19/08/2023 - 08:58
    +1

    Can't speak for Vic, but if it's anything like SA and they didn't serve notice under the Fencing Act prior to building it - you don't have to pay squat.

    • OzBrogains on 19/08/2023 - 15:51

      Do you treat all your neighbours like this?

      • kouk on 22/08/2023 - 07:48

        I was thinking the same thing. So many terrible neighbours in here

  • bbinc on 19/08/2023 - 09:25
    +1

    IF you are certain it’s in the right place, AND you decide to pay, why not deduct the cost of DIY painting a nice gray to hide the offending lines. Paint, hire of spray gun etc.

    • jazzilla on 19/08/2023 - 09:27

      Not allowed to paint the fence as per our estate rules unfortunatley.

      • munecito on 19/08/2023 - 13:25

        You should be at least allowed to oil it or it won't last

      • smartazz104 on 20/08/2023 - 10:51
        +1

        Weird, but there no rules preventing a fence that looks like that.

  • BeamMeUp on 19/08/2023 - 09:38
    +4

    May have been a dodgy mates rates cash job. That aside the fact that you were not approached by the neighbour first and presented a quote to agree to beforehand is not on. Point out to the neighbour how crappy the job is and get them to justify what’s happened.
    I recently did a fence in Vic that involved us and 2 neighbours, sub division on their side. The quote had 3 different costs itemised for each of us. The fencers quote needed a signature from each party before he would proceed and each paid him individually. It all very smoothly, i wouldn’t do it any other way.

  • Mattttttty on 19/08/2023 - 12:07

    Looks like a shitty cash job.
    Did they use screws to hold the pailings on the other side or is it all nails?
    Those main posts should have screws on them, a good gust of wind and those rails will pop straight off ….

  • Brainwhacker on 19/08/2023 - 12:21

    Quality shoddy , check legislation on dividing fences - if you want to dispute because no prior consent taken - not sure if you can get a cheaper quote though ; amount really cheap, be prepared for repairs sooner than expected

  • Kiro on 19/08/2023 - 12:24
    +1

    They put it up and didn't consult so why should you pay. Anyway that fence is absolutely trash, whoever installed it really did a shite job

  • jazzilla on 19/08/2023 - 13:33
    +1

    I'm going to contact the fencing company on Monday to see what they have to say. The neighbour suggested I should review bomb them.

  • capslock janitor on 19/08/2023 - 13:58

    disgusting workmanship

    bits n bobs from whereever

  • capslock janitor on 19/08/2023 - 14:06

    while we're at it, is the structural/backside meant to be facing your property?

    perhaps thats a reason why they did it without informing

    • jazzilla on 19/08/2023 - 14:28
      +1

      Because of how the lots are set out, we have 2 lots behind us. One neighbour contacted us properly and provided a quote before getting the fence put up. That part was only 3m and I dont actually mind having the side with the railings.

    • moneyhungry on 19/08/2023 - 17:39
      +1

      I'd rather the structural backside facing my property, keeps nosy neighbors away.

  • 2esc on 19/08/2023 - 14:26
    +2

    Did the invoice state if they used rapidset or cement? The dodgy fence builders use rapidset ive seen too many of new subdivisions with fences leaning after the first kid climbs on on. Paling fences should also be hardwood not pine.

    • jazzilla on 19/08/2023 - 14:28

      Thanks. Things i can ask the fencer on Monday.

    • derrida derider on 19/08/2023 - 18:05

      There's nothing wrong with Rapidset used properly (ie deep enough hole, hole prewetted and a full bag poured in and mixed with the right amount of water - not just half a bag stuck in a shallow hole and covered with soil). It does save a lot of time. But of course given the standard of the rest of that job I doubt it was done properly. OP should get a spirit level check his posts are upright.

      Also there's not much wrong with treated pine for fence palings. It does look shit after a while though unless you spraypaint it.

  • FareEvader on 19/08/2023 - 14:35

    That worksmanship is absolutely shocking. It's also a bit odd that your neighbour didn't seek your confirmation prior to building the fence.

    Is it a new estate?

    • jazzilla on 19/08/2023 - 14:56

      Yes, it is.

      • jazzilla on 20/08/2023 - 11:19
        +2

        Why am i getting neg'd confirming it's in a new estate?

        • Eeples on 20/08/2023 - 19:05
          -4

          I don’t know.

          Maybe you should have opened with that.

  • Drakesy on 19/08/2023 - 15:09
    +2

    For $470, even though it is pretty average quality id be fine with it.

    As for the levels, does it follow the lay of the land? Cant have a flat fence if the land slopes.

    Also id request the nails be supllemented by screws/replaced by screws. Nails tend to push out over time due to winter/summer heat cycling

    • derrida derider on 19/08/2023 - 18:08

      A fix OP can quickly and cheaply do himself for the rails with a cordless impact driver. The nailed palings are the neighbour's worry.

  • PopCounty on 19/08/2023 - 15:38
    +4

    All the posts at your side is simply horrible.
    Do one thing. Get your side of fence with nice timber to
    Make it good looking. Spend $940 exactly with a proper invoice.
    Send the half of invoice ($470) to neighbour saying you did fencing right. You would be levelled up but a better looking fencing at your side.
    If I were you, I would definitely do this.

    • Spamazon on 20/08/2023 - 21:56

      This is the way

    • pegasusx on 21/08/2023 - 09:43

      Those "pallet" wood posts would buckle under the weight of the additional fence planks.

  • aboogee on 19/08/2023 - 18:13
    +2

    Why on earth do people expect others to foot half the bill when the other party is not consulted throughout the process?
    If that's the expectation from the get go, then at least have the courtesy to inform and at least provide an opportunity to seek consensus.
    No way I would be paying.
    Taken to the extreme, tell the neighbour that you're not happy with the fence, get someone to demolish and rebuild and send him half the bill

    • ihbh on 19/08/2023 - 21:46

      I'll give you an example.

      My elderly back neighbour once walked by and said they're getting the back fence replaced because the fencer was doing their side fence and he took the opportunity to get a quote and it was quite cheap. I asked can I get another quote; what if I don't pay it. He said, "Well, I'll pay it."

      My reply was, "No, that wouldn't be fair". And I didn't bother to get a second quote and I paid him promptly after the fence was completed; didn't ask for a receipt or anything - that's my neighbourhood.

      As it turned out, it was a great price and quality was good. Not as good as the fence I got recently done with side neighbour, but the price was much higher, in an inflationary period, and had different requirements.

      As my side neighbour found out, 1. It's hard to get quotes in our area (fewer fencers servicing, or who are carpenters looking for high end work - it's an affluent suburb), and 2. it can be pricey/hard to ascertain quality beforehand.

      What if OP had had gotten the quote and it turned out to be that quality for the price he paid? He's avoided saying how long the fence is so it might be very low. It's unrealistic to expect caviar when you're paying potato prices. Obviously OP can say he'd pay more, etc., to get a better fence, but unless you sight a couple of fences by the fencer, it's much easier said with hindsight.

      • jazzilla on 20/08/2023 - 08:21

        Fence is approx 9m. That's not including 3m that was already done by another neighbour.

      • aboogee on 20/08/2023 - 20:41

        Well. I’m not suggesting that OP must go with another builder. There was no courtesy to inform whatsoever. In your case, your elderly neighbour came by to inform you. He’s done his part. How you react then is not part of the debate here.

        In this case, OPs neighbour didn’t even inform. OP didn’t even get a chance to voice his opinion. Well I’d that’s the case then don’t even bother asking to split bill.

  • bmerigan on 19/08/2023 - 21:00
    -7

    If those pictures are all you have to complain about I feel you're being a "Karen". That looks like every other fence I've ever seen.

    • Poor Ass on 19/08/2023 - 22:17
      +1

      You must be easy to please

    • smartazz104 on 20/08/2023 - 10:52

      You need to look at better fences.

  • supaderp on 19/08/2023 - 23:58

    Putting this quality issue and whether you got a notice or not aside.
    You got a fence, it was not free, the neighbour opted for the cheaper option for a fence, $500 is not worth ruining relationship with your neighbour.

  • infinite on 20/08/2023 - 00:38

    Don't pay a cent for that shambles.

  • Jzzzz on 20/08/2023 - 01:42
    -1

    North south east or west, melb councils love treated pine fences even when they look like shit in a year and half and fall down in 5-10.

    Looks a bit rough but you wont know in 6months once its discoloured and wonky like everyone elses.

    • SupeNintendoChalmers on 20/08/2023 - 13:48

      Treated pine is ok, but you'd want to stain or paint it asap to get an extended lifespan.

      Honestly, I'd go with Colorbond, but also get how prohibitively expensive it can be for some.

  • Lord Fart Bucket on 20/08/2023 - 11:59

    Hope you're not in a windy area. That won't last a small gale.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 20/08/2023 - 13:43
    +2

    I think that fence is non-compliant

    • jazzilla on 20/08/2023 - 14:09

      Is that a thing? How do we get this checked?

    • Fysh on 20/08/2023 - 14:15

      Flabbergasted

      • Piranha2004 on 21/08/2023 - 12:52
        +3

        Good from far but far from good.

  • GrueHunter on 20/08/2023 - 14:13
    +1

    "Sure, just as soon as you've actually built one. Good for you for doing a practice run."

  • Fysh on 20/08/2023 - 14:14

    Honestly at 500 I would pay and then do a cover up on your side. It's very cheap they did it themselves for sure.

  • unhuman on 20/08/2023 - 16:38

    Pay the guy man. Fence is 50% your responsibility. You don’t want to fight with your neighbour. If he rips the fence out, and you wanna put the fence yourself, it will cost you twice as much and they might not pay. Not sure why you had to ask this and not pay lol.

    • unhuman on 20/08/2023 - 16:40

      Ps, why would anyone put Wooden fence is beyond me lol

    • Eeples on 20/08/2023 - 19:07

      But that is what happened!!

      The neighbour put the fence up without asking !

    • jorf on 21/08/2023 - 12:32

      Pay the guy man. Fence is 50% your responsibility.

      Not if you weren't served a fencing notice.

      You don’t want to fight with your neighbour. If he rips the fence out, and you wanna put the fence yourself, it will cost you twice as much and they might not pay.

      He won't. People try this stuff on hope that you'll pay up, then do nothing when you don't. Rear neighbour - OP will probably never speak to them anyway.

      Not sure why you had to ask this and not pay lol.

      Because he doesn't have to. See point 1. I would refuse on the fact that it's shit quality as well.

  • Tleyx on 20/08/2023 - 21:22
    -2

    Why didnt you organise a fence if you wanted to pick so bad?

  • drprox on 21/08/2023 - 10:15

    Geez it's hard to get a fencer these days, any fencer, so it doesn't surprise me you've got a shit job done there. Don't pay, your neighbour chose a shit fencer.

  • curtturtle on 21/08/2023 - 10:36
    +1

    If you were not involved in the decision to build the fence then you don't have to pay squat. And if you do, you will be asking for the neighbour to pull stuff like this all the time. Since you were not asked you could legally push for them to fix the piss poor fence that was put up.

    • Brick Tamland on 21/08/2023 - 16:34
      -1

      Yep. Next thing neighbour will request you pay half their groceries too.

  • JuryWheel on 21/08/2023 - 12:24
    -1

    For $470 - id just pay it - its not worth the headaches with someone you are going to be living next door to for maybe years….

  • MagnusPaciscorHons on 21/08/2023 - 17:21

    If not already considered:

    Have concrete footings been laid?
    Fence height meet council requirements?
    Etc.

    If not you could be responsible if you've already paid your neighbour any share to rectify or any other liabilities.

    Anyway, you may set a precedent with other neighbours in future too.

  • Munki on 21/08/2023 - 17:40
    -1

    Jesus. Might want to call Bob to fix it.

  • TightLikeThisx on 21/08/2023 - 20:45
    -1

    Just send them a thank you card for putting up the new fence and politely decline the offer to pay for it.

  • sir-screwball on 21/08/2023 - 21:41
    -1

    Stick some eye bolts in it, run some steel cable in a pattern and plant some jasmin, train it along the cables.

    In time the fence will be hidden by a nice big green wall of plants.

  • idonotknowwhy on 21/08/2023 - 21:52
    -1

    Looks like you got one of those drawing ai things which can't do hand shakes properly to build it

  • MagnusPaciscorHons on 21/08/2023 - 22:21

    Furthermore and importantly:

    Has your neighbour placed the fence on the right area of boundary - or stolen some of your valuable land?

    Therefore, you should best survey your land.

    • To cross reference dimensions of fence erected with your land title with the defined boundary line.

    • To ensure accords with your title.

    As related to the above, by operation of sections 8, 9, 14 and 18 of the Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Vic),
    exclusive possession of land beyond the period of 15 years can cause you,
    the registered proprietor, to lose any right of action to recover it.

    You need to assert your rights when infringed and not agree expressly or implicitly until verified
    what has been erected is in fact in order.

    Where also refer to your original contract of sale
    for registered titled boundary where applicable.

    As there is a lot of decisions that need to be made and not regret
    in relation to people’s properties especially your own after the event.

    You should consider seeking independent legal, professional, or other related advice to check.

  • kouk on 22/08/2023 - 07:55

    First person that builds has a right to fence their property off. If they go to the trouble of sourcing quotes, they get the 'nicer' side of the fence. Expecting them to wait for you to settle your business so they can go ahead with their lives is ridiculous.

    The cost of the fence was ridiculously cheap, Hence the 'poor' work. Your neighbour probably played it safe and chose the cheapest quote.
    Why weren't you proactive and doing any work towards fencing off YOUR property? Its easy to let someone else do the work and then complain.
    I'll give you a solution, if you don't like the fence, rip it down and pay the whole amount for a better one, with your choice of side. I bet you wouldn't want to do that.

    You cant buy good neighbours

    • ihbh on 22/08/2023 - 11:53

      go to the trouble of sourcing quotes

      Exactly. It took me a couple of hours looking up fencers, checking reviews, calling them and leaving messages/answering, taking them through and processing their comments/suggestions and then recommending to my neighbour the best price/quality quote that met basic boundary needs (and all of my other needs, because my neighbour was selling and didn't give a crap about long term issues).

      In my case the fencer did a great job on my side and the neighbours, and only invoiced us after the job. I paid him right away. Obviously, I got the paling side. I didn't need to ask; the fencer did it automatically.

      Its easy to let someone else do the work and then complain.

      Agree, as I've said in my previous comments.

      My idiot neighbour complained that if it was her money she wouldn't have paid (her mother paid) and that the fencer was chasing her mum for money and that she'll pay when she's ready. I've checked my neighbour's side and it looks fine. They do need to do some landscaping work around the base of the fence but that's not the fencer's job nor in the detailed quote.

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