Fences and Gates - got all the neighbors to agree to replace the fence, now ....

Location is San Jose, California

We have a U-shaped fence. There are 4 neighbors involved:
A = On my Left
B = On my Right
C = Behind my backyard
D = Yours truly
The combined length of the fence is 250 feet.

A and I would split the cost of section A.
B and I would split the cost of section B.
C and I would split the cost of section C.

In other words, I am responsible for half of the total cost.

The 4 of us have a general (verbal) agreement to install a Vinyl fence.

The fencing material is going to be shipped in from out-of-sate.
We have to buy the cement locally.
We have agreed on a fence installer. He has done work in the neighborhood. We have seen that work. He comes recommended.
The fence installer is ok with individual check payments from each neighbor.


To keep everyone and everything on the same page, I would like to get some opinions from this forum:

I don't mind taking payments from each neighbor to buy the cement. The individual amounts are small. Is this the right thing to do?
But paying for the fencing material is a different story. I am not comfortable taking the 3 checks and using my credit card to make the full payment. The individual amounts are bigger and taking the money could mean assuming financial responsibility and responsibility for the Vinyl material. Should we send 4 checks to the fencing materisl vendor?
Should I summarize the whole project on paper with each individual's financial obligations and then get all 4 signatures on it?

Yes to your last suggestion and also get it notarized!!

My ? is why are you paying for half the project!?? That leaves the other half divided up w/ 3 other people!! I priced a vinyl fence for my backyard and I had about 11k on a 320ft fence!! That was a cheaper priced one at lowes. And that was me doing all the work, no contractor.

#2. I would not take the checks. What if one bounces?? ETC!! Then your out the money and you have to pay your cc off.

Just be careful w/ the whole neighbor thing. I have yet to have any problems w/ neighbors but i have heard stories!

ALSO!!!! What if down the road you need to repair/replace a panel, a 4x4 post, etc. That needs to be in the contract also. You will also need to clean the fence. Especially if its white!! They get dirty and need cleaned every yr. So that also needs to be a group project set for every spring! You get my drift!

Good Luck and post pics when done!!

Slowmoe,

I agree with the your method of splitting the cost.

Hi moe, I wish I could agree with your approach, it's so, well, neighborly. In an ideal world that is the way to do it. Are you ready, BUT.
1. Without a lot of paperwork, who owns the fence. Someone will have to pay taxes on it, pay for maintanance.
2. Did you do a survey? $$$
3. What happens when one house sells?
4. What happens when a tree falls on it or wind damage, who's insurance covers it. Is it a group thing, or just you and that one neighbor?
5. One neighbor decides to plant ivy. Another doesn't think it looks good, yada, yada.

No, the fence you pay for goes on your property and the fence they pay for goes on theirs.

Sorry, too many examples to think it will make "good neighbors" and after all, isn't that what good fences are supposed to do.

Bud

Great point bud, forgot about those stinking tax's!!

If all of you are friends and what not then it is a good idea but again..............


Good Luck

I second it---- your fence on your property, you pay the Contractor.
Hold 10% till final. Be safe, G

The cost sharing arrangement sounds great but if you are depending on each neighbor to finance their portion then forget it.
If you view it as your fence entirely and plan to finance the whole thing then ANY payment towards it would be a bonus.
Your arrangement sounds too complicated.

I just today informed my neighbor that I was planning to build 100' of 6' high treated fence where he cut out some brush on his property separating our yards.
No offer to pay half but if he does....great, if not....oh well!

This may sound stupid, but it is an option. A fence doesn't have to be a long straight line. It could go 30 feet and then 45 degree over to the other property. One foot on your side and then one foot on their side. The angled part could be an option for a gate. Could even be one of those arch trellises. Angle around the two rear corners so you don't introduce two more land owners, but a creative layout could add character to an otherwise ordinary fence. And the inclusion of gates would emphasize the friendship in the community.

just a thought
Bud

I basically had to threaten my neighbor with a lawsuit to get him to pay for half the fence which he agreed too, in writing. I will never again ask a neighbor to pay for a portion of a fence.