While we were out of town, our neighbors (who we get along good with) decided to paint our fence (which is on our property) that they look at from their patio. We had no idea of this and we got no choice in the color. They did their side and 1/2 way up another side and left it. They didn't even tell us they did it. Yes, our fence needed painted, but they used a color and stain we would not of used. Now we have to finish the fence (in the heat of summer) with a color we don't like. We were not planning to deal with the fence till next spring. How do we tell them, or should we that we are not pleased with what they did?
2007-08-11 01:38:21 · 13 answers · asked by TABYS 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
I certainly would tell them; maybe in a tactful way that you wished they had asked you first since you were planning on dealing with it yourselves next spring; I would also say do you intend to finish what you started, since we can*t?
In the future at least please ask us before doing anything like this., since we really don*t care for the color.
No one has the right to come on your property and do what they want to do, regardless of how friendly they and you are, but you have to decide if it is worth losing a friendship over if you get realy mad over it. Tact is always best.
2007-08-11 01:45:59 · answer #1 · answered by llittle mama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That was their way of saying that they were tired of looking at a fence that needed maintenance.
Were they right in doing this? No, but the damage is done.
Do you want to lose them as friendly neighbors? If you answer yes, then call the police and file a complaint and then sue them in small claims court.
If you would like to keep them friendly, (hopefully) then it is time to have a talk with them and tell them what you expect to be done. I would ask them, what prompted them to paint your fence, without asking or telling you? Also, what about the 1/2 finished side, what are their plans? If they get testy or develop an attitude, then you can always go the other route and inform them that you will, then carry through.
Good luck, sorry it happened.
2007-08-11 02:01:47 · answer #2 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I bet your neighbors were just trying to be helpful and didn't realize how upset you'd be! I once had a neighbor "helpfully" pull a bunch of my low water desert flowers thinking they were weeds.
People do make mistakes all the time ~ but the test of graciousness is recognizing the gesture for what it was and dealing with it as tactful as possible.
If it were me; I'd thank the neighbors for thinking of me, but kindly explain that you would have rather they discussed it with you first! Live with the fence for now, and when the weather cools down a bit, paint your side the color you want. It's really not that big of a deal in the greater scheme of things.
2007-08-11 02:09:19 · answer #3 · answered by Jeanbug 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is true that it was very wrong for them to do this, but at the same time you should have at least painted their side if the fence was truly looking bad. I would hate to have to look at a terrible fence every time we wanted to sit out side. You were both wrong.
If you want to keep on friendly footing with your neighbours, do not say a word. Later on, paint only your side of the fence the way you want it.
Hugs are coming your way.
2007-08-11 02:05:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they took a big liberty painting YOUR fence while you were away. You must tell them you are upset, and even though you don't like the colour, suggest that seeing as they started the project they ought to finish it. Maybe you could also suggest that they paint your side of the fence in your choice of colour.
Hope the rest of their garden is as neat as the fence !!!!
2007-08-11 01:47:50 · answer #5 · answered by montysmum45 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a right to be upset. If you're truly unhappy with the color but don't want to deal with it until next Spring, and hate to see the unfinished job, firmly ask the neighbors to finish the job quickly and then paint as you wish in the spring.
2007-08-11 02:06:35 · answer #6 · answered by Hate Coming Up With Nicknames 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them to paint your side the color you prefer..and they should pay for the paint seeing how they have chosen to change half of the side visible to you..Good neighbors are hard to find....If they werent, I would paint one side of thier car with a color of your choice..lol..Naw I'm just letting the devil come out in me..Talk to them and they should be reasonable with this, seeing how they did something on your property without approval....
2007-08-11 03:41:50 · answer #7 · answered by pcbeachrat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trespassing and destruction of property.
Buy paint in a colour that YOU want. And tell the neighbours you expect them to now FINISH the painting job THEY started illegally, using the colour that you like.
If they refuse, take them to small claims court. They had NO BUSINESS being on your property AT ALL while you were gone...especially when it involved DEFACING YOUR PROPERTY.
2007-08-11 01:46:47 · answer #8 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm afraid I would have to be very frank with them and tell them just what I thought! And tell them that the least they can do is to finish the job. Deal with the color till spring, then repaint.
2007-08-11 01:48:34 · answer #9 · answered by nola_b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If It was me??/ I would be very upset!! I would go out there and paint it like I wanted it~~~ and if they say,"what are you doing, we just did that?" I would simply say, " I know that's why I'm doing it again". "we wanted OUR fence to look like this". They should have asked, I know people mean well, but we all have different taste.
2007-08-11 01:53:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋