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Who pays for a new fence between neighbors depends on its location relative to the property line. If you build the fence entirely on your property, you are solely responsible for the costs of installation, maintenance, and repair. If the fence is built directly on the property line, both neighbors are typically responsible for the costs. In this case, it is essential to consult with your neighbor beforehand to agree on a plan for payment. While you should always inform your neighbor of your plans in advance, you generally cannot force them to contribute financially unless there are specific local laws, such as in California, where both parties might be responsible for costs unless a different agreement exists. It's a good idea to get a property line survey to know the exact boundaries before building.

You have several options for anchoring a temporary fence to keep it from falling down. Sandbags can be used as a standard weight, but they may blow away or fail in strong winds and inclement weather. Spikes and bolts are a cost-effective and easy-to-install alternative, but drilling can be difficult if the ground is frozen, too soft, or too hard. Another option is wind braces, which should be bolted into the ground to withstand turbulent wind; however, like spikes, they can be challenging to install in very soft or hard ground.

The cost to build a fence is about $3,100 on average, but you could pay anywhere from $400 to $13,700 or more. Your cost will depend on the length, height, and materials for the fence. If you hire a professional installer, labor costs typically represent about half of the total cost of the project. This means you potentially can save quite a bit of money doing the work yourself.

Galvanized metal, vinyl, and composite fences are known to be the longest-lasting options, often surviving for over 30 years with proper care. Metal fences, including galvanized chain link and aluminum, can look great for decades because the galvanization process adds a protective coating that resists weather and pests. Similarly, vinyl and composite materials are resistant to pests and can withstand harsh weather for many years. In comparison, a typical wood fence lasts about 15 years, and a standard vinyl fence has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.