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A DIY fan has given her garden a total transformation thanks to her new privacy fence.

So if you’re looking to add style to your outside space, whilst increasing your privacy at the same time, you’ve come to the right place.

Garden with new privacy fence.
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A savvy mum has revealed that she transformed her garden with a stunning privacy fenceCredit: TikTok/@thetwitchetts
Garden with new privacy fence, hot tub, and patio furniture.
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Not only does it look great, but it hides her neighbour's mess tooCredit: TikTok/@thetwitchetts

The DIY enthusiast, who lives in Essex and shares renovation tips and tricks online, took to social media to share a before, during and after look at her fence overhaul.

Posting under the username ‘The Twitchett’s Home’, the savvy mum showed off her fence prior to the mega makeover and said: “Back for my gardening series part two and this time it's all about the fencing, because it needs a serious update.

“I can no longer look at this, it's got to go.

“So slatted fencing to the rescue.”

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The content creator explained that she and her partner bought fence panels from B&Q.

She acknowledged that the DIY store currently has a deal running which will grant shoppers 15% off when they buy five.

As a result, thanks to the discount, this interior fan got her fence panels for £82 each.

While the woman could initially see into her neighbour’s garden, thanks to her new fence panels, she now has a gorgeous view.  

Showing off her stunning new slatted fence, the overjoyed influencer told viewers: “Tell me you love it as much as I do. This is your sign to get some slatted fencing this summer season.”

Beaming with her fence, the mother claimed that she “loves it” and is “absolutely obsessed” with the finished result.

I have a huge garden & couldn't afford the privacy fence quotes so built one myself with my dad's help - it's 420ft long

The gardening guru also explained that while she may have been able to transform her fence in a slightly cheaper way by making the panels herself, as a result of being a “time poor” parent, this “super easy” method was incredibly efficient for her. 

The blonde confessed that she had waited six years to transform her fence and was “so happy” with the result. 

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

DIY fans beam

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 192,500 views.

Not only this, but it’s also amassed 2,694 likes, 73 comments and 920 saves. 

Social media users were impressed with the woman’s fence transformation and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. 

10/10, looks really smart and a much better view

TikTok user

One person said: “This looks amazing! It’s perfect!” 

Another added: “Major inspo! Our neighbour is refusing to "fix" the fence that's his boundary and I'm super tempted to do this!” 

What are your rights over a fence row?

IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour.

How do I know which side I own?

A boundary feature can be a fence, wall, hedge, ditch, piece of wire, or sometimes even just the edge of a driveway.

The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry

In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at .

Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules

People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn’t any legal basis for this.

You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for.

Often households can't get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn't panic.

Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the rails are.

Pros say: "The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the ‘good’ side. 

“This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. 

“This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fence side.”

Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary's owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit.

While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it's not foolproof - so you can't be certain.

Fines and punishment

It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid hefty fines.

There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it's completely up to whoever owns the fence. 

Fencing pros have suggested: “It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no ‘bad’ side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.”

If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside

But if it's installed on the outside, it can provide an “easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden”.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action. 

RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes.

If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them.

Changing a boundary

If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed.

The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added.

In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it.

But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself - since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage.

How high can a garden fence be?

The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours'.

garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it's over than 2m.

However, there are some complications to this.

If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft.

You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m.

But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant.

A third commented: “Amazing work, looking fabulous.”

Not only this, but someone else chimed in: “Love it. It makes such a difference.”

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At the same time, one user claimed the fencing made a “massive improvement,” while one DIY enthusiast shared: “10/10, looks really smart and a much better view.” 

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