New neighbour fence check in Exeter
Professional new neighbour fence check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Quick professional assessment of your property boundaries and fences. I'll check ownership, assess condition, spot potential issues, and photograph everything - giving you a clear record of boundaries when you moved in.
The Boundary Question You Haven't Asked Yet
Move-in day. You're unpacking boxes, meeting neighbours, settling in.
Six months later: "Excuse me, your fence is leaning into my garden. You need to fix it."
You: "My fence? I thought it was yours?"
Neighbour: "No, definitely yours. And it was fine when you moved in."
Was it though? You have no idea. No photos. No record. And now you're in a dispute that could've been avoided with 30 minutes' checking on day one.
💡 Pro tip: More neighbour disputes start over fences than anything else. Having a professional assessment done when you move in, with photos and notes, gives you a solid baseline. It's not suspicious - it's sensible.
What Gets Checked
🔍 Boundary Identification
| Evidence | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Title deeds | 'T' marks indicate ownership |
| Fence posts | Usually on owner's side |
| Rail direction | Often face towards owner |
| Neighbour info | What previous owner told them |
📏 Condition Assessment
For each fence section:
- Overall state (good/fair/poor/rotten)
- Leaning or unstable sections
- Broken panels or posts
- Signs of previous damage
- Estimated remaining life
📸 Photographic Record
Complete documentation:
- Full length of each boundary
- Close-ups of any damage
- Posts and fixings
- Connections to neighbour's property
- Date-stamped evidence
Common Boundary Scenarios
Scenario 1: Victorian Terrace Boundaries often unclear, shared back walls, ancient fences that have been "maintained" by whoever could be bothered. Ownership can be complicated.
Scenario 2: Modern Estate Usually clear from deeds, but builders sometimes put fences up randomly. Check your plans match reality.
Scenario 3: Semi-Detached Often one property owns left boundary, other owns right. But not always. Deeds should clarify.
Scenario 4: Rural Properties Hedge and ditch rule might apply - if there's a ditch, the boundary is on the side AWAY from it. Local traditions matter.
What You Get
📋 Written Assessment
Simple report covering:
- Which boundaries appear to be your responsibility
- Current condition of each fence/hedge
- Any obvious issues or concerns
- Recommendations for action needed
📸 Photo Evidence
Dated photos of:
- All boundary fences/walls/hedges
- Any damage or defects
- Overall condition
- Useful if disputes arise later
💰 Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary check & report | 30 mins | £60 |
Why This Matters
| ✅ With Boundary Check | ❌ Without Boundary Check |
|---|---|
| Know what's your responsibility | Surprise repair bills |
| Evidence of condition on day 1 | "He said, she said" arguments |
| Can budget for repairs | Unexpected costs |
| Start neighbourly relationships right | Begin with disputes |
Why Choose Us for New neighbour fence check in Exeter?
Know exactly which fence is yours
Spot issues before they become problems
Evidence for boundary discussions
Avoid expensive neighbour disputes
What to Expect
Step 1: Document Review
If you have your deeds/title plans, I'll check them first. Many people don't have these handy - that's fine, I can work from visual evidence too.
Step 2: Physical Inspection
Walk the entire boundary with you, checking each fence section, noting condition, taking photos. I'll explain what I'm seeing as we go.
Step 3: Report & Recommendations
Simple written summary of findings - what's yours, what isn't, what needs attention soon, what's fine. No jargon, just clear advice.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to check boundaries yourself? Here's how:
📜 Check your deeds
Look for these indicators:
- 'T' marks on boundary lines (point inward to show ownership)
- 'H' marks mean shared/party boundary
- Boundary descriptions in the property particulars
- Title plan from Land Registry (you can order online for £3)
🔍 Visual inspection clues
Fence posts:
- Usually on the owner's side of the fence
- Posts in YOUR garden = probably YOUR fence
- But not always - some people build backwards!
Rails and panels:
- "Good side" often faces the neighbour
- But again, not a reliable rule
- Some people specifically face rails inward
Age and style:
- Does it match other fences you own?
- Same style as your back garden fence?
- Different from neighbour's other boundaries?
⚠️ Don't assume
- Just because you maintain it doesn't make it yours
- Previous owner's arrangements might not be legal
- Neighbours can be genuinely mistaken too
- Only deeds and legal documents are definitive
💡 Pro trick: Ask your conveyancing solicitor to clarify boundaries BEFORE completion. Much easier than working it out afterwards. If it's unclear, get it resolved during the purchase process.
📸 Document everything
Take your own photos of:
- All boundaries from multiple angles
- Any existing damage
- Current condition
- Date stamp them clearly
🤝 Talk to neighbours (carefully)
Casual chat: "Hi, just moved in. Trying to work out which fences are ours to maintain. What's your understanding?"
Listen to what they say but don't commit to anything. Previous owners might've had informal arrangements that aren't binding on you.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏘️ Exeter's Victorian houses? Boundary disputes are super common in older terraces. Decades of informal arrangements, replaced fences, extended gardens, and lost paperwork make things messy. Get it documented early.
Legal position - if it genuinely can't be determined and both parties disagree, you might need a boundary surveyor (£££) or even legal action (££££). Much better to establish things early while everyone's still friendly.
Shared boundaries (party fences) mean both properties have rights. You can't remove or significantly alter it without neighbour's agreement. But both should contribute to maintenance costs.
Responsibility doesn't equal ownership - sometimes deeds say you must maintain a boundary that you don't actually own. Victorian property law is weird.
Hedges and walls follow same ownership principles as fences. Check those too if you have them.
Combine with other move-in checks? Absolutely - I can do this while fitting window locks, locating stopcocks, or doing a safety check. Efficient use of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell whose fence it is?
Several ways - check your deeds for 'T' marks showing ownership, look at fence posts (usually on owner's side), check which way rails face (often towards owner's property). Sometimes neighbours have agreements that override deeds. I'll look at all the evidence and give you the most likely answer.
What if the fence is in bad condition?
If it's your fence, you know you need to budget for repair/replacement. If it's the neighbour's, you've got evidence of the condition when you moved in - useful if they later claim you damaged it. Either way, better to know early.
Can this prevent neighbour disputes?
Absolutely. Most fence arguments start with 'that's your fence' vs 'no it's yours'. Having a professional assessment done when you move in, before any issues arise, gives you a clear position. Take photos, document everything.
What about shared ownership?
Some boundaries are party fences - both properties own it jointly. Your deeds should show this. If it's shared, you both have rights and responsibilities. Good to know before someone wants to change or remove it.
Do I need this if I'm renting?
Probably not - boundary responsibility is the landlord's problem. But if you're buying, especially in Exeter where lots of properties have unclear Victorian-era boundaries, it's £60 well spent to avoid future stress.
New neighbour fence check Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your new neighbour fence check job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need New neighbour fence check in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your new neighbour fence check job in Exeter today.