I accidentally ruined my neighbour's fence after I painted mine – but it's not the mess that's annoyed people the most

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

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A DIY enthusiast has revealed that after giving his fence a lick of fresh paint, he soon realised he had accidentally ruined his neighbour's fence in the process.
Unsure of what to do, the homeowner took to social media to show off the 'nightmare' and ask for people's advice on how to remove the stains.
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A man has revealed that he accidentally ruined his neighbour's fence after painting his own
Credit: Reddit
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But social media users are more frustrated by something else rather than the mess...
Credit: Reddit
But while many were stunned by the mess, this wasn't what annoyed people the most.
In fact, users were more bothered by the colour he had chosen to paint his fence - yes, you heard that correctly.
Posting on Reddit, on the r/DIYUK thread, the anonymous man shared his post under the username @nokpaan and wrote: 'HELP!!! Made a mess of [my] neighbour's fence.'
Alongside pictures of his neighbour's side of the fence, he then confessed: 'I recently painted/stained my fence with the paint dripping over to my neighbours side of the fence.
'Has anyone come across this nightmare or has any idea on how to remove this stain?'
In an attempt to clean up his error, he shared: 'I've tried using a sander and paint stripper was of little help.'
Desperate to fix the issue, he begged: 'Any product or idea will be highly welcomed and appreciated.'
Reddit users were left stunned by the man's paint error and many eagerly flocked to the comments to share their advice.
One person said: 'Offer to paint their side the same colour.'
Another added: 'Oops. That won't be coming out any time soon! I'm sorry but you must surely have noticed what was happening whilst you were undertaking this work?
DIY Privacy Fences: Affordable Garden Solutions
'There's literally nothing that will get that out, so it's either stain their side too, cover it somehow, or replace the fence.'
Whilst a third commented: 'Only option is to bite the bullet and paint their fence as well.'
The Top Five Reasons Neighbours Squabble
One study by Compare the Market revealed the top reason British neighbour's argue Broken fences - top of the board was broken fences and whose responsibility it was to fix it Parking: one of the leading drivers of neighbour disputes, with 54.1 per cent of people having issues with people parking in front of their house, parking bay or driveway Trees - complaints about a neighbour's tree cracking your garden path was also common with nearly half of participants finding it frustrating Bin wars - outdoor bin etiquette continues to ignite the most furious debates between neighbours Nosy Neighbours - some people have their eyes and ears at the ready to have a peek causing problems for others
But it turns out it wasn't the mess that frustrated people the most - in fact, many were more offended that the man had chosen to paint his fence grey.
Not only did someone describe it as a 'hellish grey fence', but alongside a puking emoji, one user sighed: 'And of all the colours...grey.'
If this was my fence I would have you replace it. I would not want a grey fence that needs maintenance every two/three years
Reddit user
A second questioned: 'Did you think you'd somehow be able to only paint one side without it bleeding through to the other side. Grey? Really? On a garden fence?'
At the same time, another wondered: 'When will this terrible fashion for grey wood die out? My neighbour did the same.'
Meanwhile, one person confessed: 'If this was my fence I would have you replace it. I would not want a grey fence that needs maintenance every two/three years.'
Rules on fences and trees
Fences: Height Restrictions: In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres.
In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres. Shared Fences: If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement.
If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement. Building Regulations: Ensure that any new fence complies with local building regulations and does not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians.
Trees: Ownership: Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour's property are their responsibility.
Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour's property are their responsibility. Overhanging Branches: You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner.
You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner. Protected Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines.
Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines. Roots: If tree roots from a neighbour's tree cause damage to your property, you have the right to remove the roots. However, it is advisable to discuss this with your neighbour first to avoid disputes.
Always consult your local council or a legal adviser for specific regulations and advice.
In response to the comments, the Reddit author later wrote: 'I made a mistake hence I wanna fix it to have a good relationship with my neighbour.
'[The] neighbour doesn't want to paint his fence so I might have to cover the mess.
'Thanks for the help and I don't think I'm touching a brush anytime soon.'
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