When we moved in the fence in our garden on the right hand side was on its last legs. I spent a few days digging out the rotten posts (that had been buried in concrete!) and replaced with steel spikes, in concrete, new post and panels. Guy next door on the right is a good bloke and we are good mates. Job done.
The fence on the other side the following year (also built to the same standard as the other one) also started to fall to bits. On the left live two pensioners, nice couple. I offered to do all the work if they were happy to pay for the stuff. They agreed I did a good job and they give me the cash and were grateful.
Anyway at the bottom of the garden we have another fence. That started to fail about 2 winters later and the people at the back expected us to go halves and get a builder in! (£600!!!)
I explained that it was not my responsibility but in the spirit of neighborliness I offered to help and go halves on the materials. That was no good because he was (apparently) hopeless. In a moment of weakness I offered to do the work for them if they paid costs. They bit my hand off and I did the work while they went to Ibiza (grrrr) I gave them a breakdown of the costs when they returned and they paid and then asked me for a receipt!!!
I was a bit pis*** to say the least! Took a dislike to them since then.
Anyway, got home from work tonight, a note through the door to say that 2 of the panels had blown down in the storm last night!
I think they now expect me to go round and put them back up (they are fastened with small steel brackets that fail before the post or panel gets destroyed, so only a 15 min job)
Maybe I should re-decorate the lounge when I am round there?




