Good fences...

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/516f420761c00-.jpg

The rear three panels of my cedar fence blew down in Sandy last fall.  I contacted my insurance company and got an estimate from my fence company, but I have waited until this Spring to do something about it.  One of the reasons was that replacing the fence in it’s original configuration was problematic.  The building that occupies the lot behind behind me had built a sidewalk after my fence was installed.  The sidewalk is about 2′ taller than the bottom of my fence, and has nothing retaining the soil underneath.  Over time, unbeknownst to me, the soil had been pushing out against my fence, rotting it out at the bottom.  Furthermore, the sidewalk is pitched so that it drains water into my yard.  All I want is for my neighbor to build a retaining wall to hold back his soil and redirect his water, and I’ll deal with replacing my fence.  He is not a resident of the building, I don’t know if I have his correct contact info and I feel like he’s trying to dodge me.  Where do I get accurate contact information about a building owner and what is my next step?  Any advice would be appreciated.

sourgrapes

in Fencing 12 years ago

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Rick | 12 years ago

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Last time I replaced my fence I ran a row of cinderblocks and set the posts in cement inside the block. This way you make a curb and a solid fence all at the same time. Best to take care of this yourself, In my experience. “Good fences make good neighbors.”

JJack | 12 years ago

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Do yourself a favor and save some headaches by building a curb about 4″ higher than your neighbors (top of concrete) level out of concrete or masonry or other waterproof material. This curb will prevent the water runoff from your neighbor’s yard and keep it is his yard. Cut the lower portion of your fence if it is rotted and install above the new curb. I agree that you should try to resolve it with him first, but it seems you have done that already. Try propertyshark.com for a listing and details of your neighbor’s property.

anotherposter | 12 years ago

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If you do find the owner, there’s no assurance he/she will want to fufill your request and it sounds like it might be a less than pleasant experience.  You might save yourself a lot of frustration by just having the retaining wall done yourself, so you can assure it is done the way you want.