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Most homeowners don't need to inform their neighbors before constructing a fence, according to the law, but you will need to make sure that you’re building on the property line or on your side of the property line. Otherwise, the neighbor could complain, which would require you to tear down and reinstall the fence. In any case, keeping them in the loop is the neighborly thing to do!

Whether you inform your neighbors or not, always use property records and a land survey to ensure your fence stays within your property boundaries.

The ideal spacing for four-by-four residential fence posts is usually about 6 to 8 feet between posts. However, if the fence is particularly high or you live in a very windy region, you might want to space them closer together for better stability. A fence pro can help you decide on your post spacing. 

If the fence is on one neighbor’s property, that person is responsible for repairs, regardless of who benefits from the fence more. The other neighbor must keep trees and other obstacles from crossing the property line and affecting the fence. If the fence is directly on the property line, though, who owns a shared fence? Many states have laws that address this issue. Typically, the two property owners would share responsibilities and costs for fence maintenance and repair. You may need a property line survey to precisely determine ownership and responsibility.

A chain-link fence does not lower your property value. However, chain links are not the most attractive materials—so it probably won’t raise the value either. If this is a concern, opt for wooden posts to provide visual flair and go with a color coating on your fence. Putting in a functional and attractive gate also helps up your resale value when installing a chain-link fence.