When homeowners decide to install a fence, the primary focus is usually on the “Big Three”: privacy, security, and property lines. We think about keeping the dog in, the intruders out, and the nosy neighbors at bay. However, there is a golden rule of residential etiquette—and often a strict legal requirement—that many people ignore until it’s too late. The “good” side of the fence must always face your neighbor.
At first glance, this seems like a purely aesthetic choice. After all, you’re the one paying for the materials and labor, so shouldn’t you get to enjoy the polished, finished look? In reality, flipping your fence so the structural rails and posts face your neighbor is a social and legal landmine.
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