My neighbors put up a fence and are demanding twice as much money as we agreed to pay. What to do?

Question

Last month, my neighbors wanted less than $250.00 to replace a small portion of an ajoining fence. I agreed and even oferred the man cash which he refused until after the work was done.

We were initially allowed to help install the posts but he chose to put the pickets up while we were away so he could install the smooth side of the fence towards his yard (the way his wife wanted it to look).

Anyhow, we received the $505.00 bill six days ago. I don't understand the disparity between the quote and the actual bill and am trying to look into it. This morning his wife confronts my teen daughter demanding payment and now I get the feeling like something isn't quite right.

What would you do? Would you pay it without question so they would leave your child alone? Would you ask for receipts in order to verify the cost? Would you pay the original agreed cost until you could verify the actual cost?

Any advice would be helpful.

The neighbors claim that the materials cost $1,276.83 (minus materials they used for another project), so the $505 represents our half of the bill.

Answer 1

First off... it depends on who "owns" the fence as to which way the "smooth" side should face... most municipalities have laws re: this issue.

If YOU own the fence, you're obligated to have the "back" of the fence (the part that typically displays the fence posts) facing YOUR property. And vice-versa if the neighbor owns the fence.

Secondly, I wouldn't pay until I had copies of ALL receipts, and even then I'd be highly suspicious... if the job is to your satisfaction, sure, go ahead, pay the original quote. But I'd have to have the higher amount justified before I'd consider paying it... and even then, I'd take into consideration who owns the fence, who got the better aspect (your neighbor did, by having the smooth part facing HIS property), who's property was being maintained, and what the discrepency in price involved... different materials, paid labor, etc.?

Thirdly... it's grossly inappropriate for your daughter to be addressed by your neighbor re: this issue. Go over, tell them you're willing to discuss the over-run on costs but under no circumstances will you allow your family members to be berated by them at all WHATsover!

Hope this helps,
    TX Griff


Ps: Is it possible your neighbor showed you the bill for the WHOLE job and your "half" remains at $250??

Answer 2

first of all, if your portion of fence was established at 250.00 and there is no obvious gain as far as quality, then that's that. however, good neighbors are worth more than 250.00 additional.

if he recognizes the 250 original agreement, he should understand why you have a problem. ask to see the receipts for materials. the good neighbor thing works both ways too....IF you cannot justify the 2X original price, say i'm sorry but, NO.

i had a similar experience in which we paid for a fence and the one installed was different than the one presented. it was still a high quality fence and i love my good neighbors and had no doubt i wasnt being taken, so i paid it.

Answer 3

Did you have anything in writting? If you dont have anything I wouldnt worry about paying a bit of it. Because he didnt take the cash when offered and they did the work the way they wanted so they are responsible for the bill. And for them bothering your daughter about it that is harassment! You might have to get the law involved if they keep harassing your daughter. I wouldnt pay nothing to them because no agreement was signed.
And if an agreement was signed then you pay what you agreed to nothing more. Because anything that is signed is a binding contract.
Maybe you could call a lawyer if any of them offer free advice for the first consultaion and just check with them. But to me that whole thing doesnt sound right.
Who put the original fence up in the first place? Does this fence divide 2 homes or is it for apartment complexes? If it is for a yard dividing 2 homes then they wanted to fix it let them pay for it. Thats just my opinion.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

WOW thats tough....

Frankly speaking I would be pissed off the neighbor went to my Kid about this rather than coming to me. BUT!!! I would be a good neighbor and after seeing the receipts pay HALF simply because for a couple hundred dollars more it isn't worth having a pissed off neighbor... Plus it is your legal obligation. See website below.

I would invite them over for a cup of coffee ask them to bring me copies of the receipts and explain that you need receipts for tax purposes.

(Website) "Fences that create a boundary between two properties usually belong to both owners when both are using them. Both owners are responsible for keeping the fence in good repair and may not remove the fence without the other owner’s permission. Some states will penalize you if you refuse to contribute for maintenance after a reasonable request from your neighbor."

Good luck it sounds like you have difficult neighbors...

Answer 5

Well, it seems they trashed the "good neighbor" deal. so:
First, I'd charge them with harassing my daughter. Unless she is part owner of your property she has nothing to do with this.
You certainly are entitled to receipts. If they want to push you can always make them take the thing down. I hope you have something in writing. I'll let the legal eagles figure out the rest. But don't let it become a bribe so they leave you daughter alone.
Even bill collectors are not allowed to do that and you certainly have a case for harassment.

Answer 6

Don't pay them the $250 unless they agree that the matter will be settled and that they will not harass your family any longer. If they pull any more antics go to court and file a restraining order. Also sue them for $250 for harassment, then you will not have to pay them anything. You might as well sue them for lost wages and court costs. In case the judge shoots down one of these possibilities, you will still have another. When the judge asks you if you had a verbal agreement, he may say that you are liable because, after all, you are admitting it to the judge. but then again he may rule that there is no contract and tell you that you don't have to pay them anything. If you wish to sue them for harassment, you must say so in the court papers/subpoena. The judge will probably not tolerate you asking for such damages, otherwise. So include this in your case along with request for a restraining order.

Answer 7

Tell them you will pay $250. for a signed receipt, stating "paid in full" for the fence. Or you will pay nothing. You are not obligated to pay a cent for a neighbors fence except out in farm country where the costs are shared for a simple line fence. Tell them not to harass your underage child again or you will call the police. You are being taken.

Answer 8

I would explain what the original offer was, and let him know respectfully, but sternly, that you can only pay what you agreed to pay in the beginning. Pay him this amount immediately, and let him know if the fence were gonna cost more than that, he should have told you this is the beginning, and you would have decided not to pay half, because it was too costly for you. If it get any uglier than that, I would consult a lawyer, and see what your options are.
Good Luck.
I know neighbors try to get along, but you don't have to be friends.

Answer 9

i would talk to your neighbor and offer to pay the initial quoted price of 250.00.this is the price agreed upon. try to resolve this peacefully as neighbors can be friendly or incredibly nasty. tell them nicely this is the amount you agreed upon and any higher bill should have been discussed with you in order for you to fit it into your budget whatever you do keep things calm............don't say anything you'll regret........tell them you like them as neighbors and want to resolve this as easy as possible. if they insist on a higher cost ask for a copy of the bill or any receipts they have in order for you to use as a home repair expense on your federal taxes.

Answer 10

i built a fence that went almost 300 feet and was the normal 6 foot height.....i spent around 1200 for allllllllll the material...posts....pressure treated runners......6" wide pickets.....latches and hinges for two doors.....these people are trying to get over on you