Have you heard that popular saying that good fences make good neighbours? Well, it turns out that this saying is true and for reasons that go beyond those relative to the prevalence to which it alludes. Fences protect both the homeowner and others from the consequences of being robbed on the homeowner’s property.
Generally, homeowners have a duty to care for the people they invite onto their property. For example, they have an obligation to look after dinner guests and plumbers. Homeowners can be held legally liable for injuries suffered by others if there was a reasonable risk of harm that the homeowner was aware of or should have known prior to the injuries. However, property owners typically do not have an obligation to care for trespassers or people illegally on their property. However, in many situations, it is a good idea for homeowners to make reasonable efforts to protect everyone, trespassers and guests, from possible known damage to their property.
If your property contains any of the following, then a fence is a good investment and a good legal strategy to prevent personal injury and lawsuits:
- A pool: Many local ordinances require homeowners who have a pool to fence it off because of foreseeable harm to children. A swimming pool is an inviting and deadly place for young people. Consequently, it is important to erect a fence in order to keep them away from that area.
- Natural water like a lake or pond: A fence is a good idea for the same responsibility and safety reasons as a pool fence.
- A Dog: If you allow your dog to be outside unsupervised, then it would be a good idea to put up a fence on the part of your property where your dog roams. A real fence, rather than an invisible fence for the dog, will prevent people from walking onto your property and scaring or motivating your animal to attack.
- An area for country fires, playground equipment, or other attractive features such as a rock wall or sledging hill: as with swimming pools, children, teenagers, or other adults may be tempted to come to your property to take advantage of these characteristics. You can prevent this from happening, protect people from harm, and protect yourself from liability by fencing the area.
If you are installing a fence, it is important that it be solid and sturdy. You don’t want the fence, which is meant to protect people, to become a liability on its own. In the same vein, it is important to keep the fence safe. A fence is of little use if your gate is open and allows people easy access to the property.
Some people are reluctant to put up a fence and instead rely on other people to make the right decisions and stay off the property that does not belong to them and to which they are not invited. However, sometimes other people do not make the correct judgments and the result of their actions can mean emotional and financial suffering for you. Consequently, it is your discretion to protect yourself and your property with a fence if the situation warrants it.
It’s important to remember that while fences are useful for protecting your property, they’re also essential in securing it. If you need help with any of the services we offer, contact us today! We’ll be happy to answer all questions and provide a quote on what it will take to get started. We specialize in gate installation for Surrey, but our experience has helped many people just like you who needed affordable fencing solutions that were quick and easy. With Forest Fencing by your side, there is no challenge too great!
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