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Renovations
Share a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or Townhouse
September 11, 2020
If you live in a semi-detached home or townhouse, your neighbours aren’t just close — they’re literally sharing at least one wall with you. So, when it comes to your home’s exterior spaces, you’ve got to remember that it’s not all about you. If you want to upgrade your home’s exterior — but you’re connected to your neighbours — keep these extra considerations in mind.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Renovations
Share a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or Townhouse
September 11, 2020
If you live in a semi-detached home or townhouse, your neighbours aren’t just close — they’re literally sharing at least one wall with you. So, when it comes to your home’s exterior spaces, you’ve got to remember that it’s not all about you. If you want to upgrade your home’s exterior — but you’re connected to your neighbours — keep these extra considerations in mind.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
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Do Your Research
1/14Do Your Research
1/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
One of my <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/10-genius-reno-tips-from-hgtv-canadas-brian-mccourt-1899200/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">biggest pieces of advice</a> for any renovation is to do your research before you do anything else. Knowledge is power, so equip yourself with a plan of what you want to do (Are you dreaming of new siding, replacing your roof or building a new fence?), how much it will cost and what permissions you’ll need to make it all happen. Being informed at the start will help the whole process run much smoother. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/living-through-a-renovation-follow-these-tips-for-keeping-your-home-healthy-and-clean-1911093/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Living Through a Renovation? Follow These Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy and Clean</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseDo Your Research
PHOTO 1 of 14READ LESS -One of my <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/10-genius-reno-tips-from-hgtv-canadas-brian-mccourt-1899200/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">biggest pieces of advice</a> for any renovation is to do your research before you do anything else. Knowledge is power, so equip yourself with a plan of what you want to do (Are you dreaming of new siding, replacing your roof or building a new fence?), how much it will cost and what permissions you’ll need to make it all happen. Being informed at the start will help the whole process run much smoother. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/living-through-a-renovation-follow-these-tips-for-keeping-your-home-healthy-and-clean-1911093/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Living Through a Renovation? Follow These Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy and Clean</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Check Your Status
2/14Check Your Status
2/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you live in a townhouse, you need to know if your home is a freehold (where you own, and are solely responsible for, all the land and structures within your property line) or a condominium townhome (where exterior spaces are common spaces). The answer will greatly impact what kinds of upgrades you’re allowed to do and how much you need to consult your neighbours for exterior changes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/curb-appeal-improvements-guaranteed-to-increase-the-value-of-your-home-1925901/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your Home</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseCheck Your Status
PHOTO 2 of 14READ LESS -If you live in a townhouse, you need to know if your home is a freehold (where you own, and are solely responsible for, all the land and structures within your property line) or a condominium townhome (where exterior spaces are common spaces). The answer will greatly impact what kinds of upgrades you’re allowed to do and how much you need to consult your neighbours for exterior changes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/curb-appeal-improvements-guaranteed-to-increase-the-value-of-your-home-1925901/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Know (and Talk to) Your Neighbours
3/14Know (and Talk to) Your Neighbours
3/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you ask me, a lot of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/common-disputes-between-neighbours-and-tips-to-avoid-them-1923773/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">neighbourly disputes</a> could be avoided with better communication. Put yourself in your neighbour’s shoes and let them know exactly what you’re thinking about doing. If you keep them in the loop, you can likely side-step a lot of issues and stress. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tips-and-tricks/photos/essential-things-every-homeowner-needs-to-know-1924386/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Essential Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseKnow (and Talk to) Your Neighbours
PHOTO 3 of 14READ LESS -If you ask me, a lot of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/common-disputes-between-neighbours-and-tips-to-avoid-them-1923773/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">neighbourly disputes</a> could be avoided with better communication. Put yourself in your neighbour’s shoes and let them know exactly what you’re thinking about doing. If you keep them in the loop, you can likely side-step a lot of issues and stress. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tips-and-tricks/photos/essential-things-every-homeowner-needs-to-know-1924386/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Essential Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Ask Permission
4/14Ask Permission
4/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of course, if you’re considering an exterior change that will impact an adjoining property in any way, consulting your neighbour isn’t just a nice thing to do — it’s required. Projects that effect their home may require your neighbour’s OK to get necessary permits. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/timeless-backyard-ideas-trends-1940222/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Timeless Backyard Ideas and Trends to Make You Fall Back in Love With Your Yard</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseAsk Permission
PHOTO 4 of 14READ LESS -Of course, if you’re considering an exterior change that will impact an adjoining property in any way, consulting your neighbour isn’t just a nice thing to do — it’s required. Projects that effect their home may require your neighbour’s OK to get necessary permits. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/timeless-backyard-ideas-trends-1940222/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Timeless Backyard Ideas and Trends to Make You Fall Back in Love With Your Yard</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Consult a Pro
5/14Consult a Pro
5/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
How can you know if your exterior upgrade will impact your neighbour or neighbours? If it isn’t obvious, it’s a good idea to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/contractor-tips-scott-mcgillivray-1919393/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">consult with a professional contractor</a> or inspector to assess the situation. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/granny-pods-yoga-studios-makeover-garage-shed-1940238/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Granny Pods to Yoga Studios: 15 Ways to Makeover Your Garage or Shed</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseConsult a Pro
PHOTO 5 of 14READ LESS -How can you know if your exterior upgrade will impact your neighbour or neighbours? If it isn’t obvious, it’s a good idea to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/contractor-tips-scott-mcgillivray-1919393/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">consult with a professional contractor</a> or inspector to assess the situation. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/granny-pods-yoga-studios-makeover-garage-shed-1940238/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Granny Pods to Yoga Studios: 15 Ways to Makeover Your Garage or Shed</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Know the Restrictions
6/14Know the Restrictions
6/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
For townhomes and semi-attached homes, there are likely restrictions to what changes you can make to the exterior. You shouldn't, for example, just paint your condo townhouse unit’s exterior on a whim. Know the legal, community and other restrictions for what you can and cannot do before you start any exterior projects. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/expert-tips-winter-curb-appeal-1911343/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Expert Tips to Maintain Curb Appeal Once Winter Hits</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseKnow the Restrictions
PHOTO 6 of 14READ LESS -For townhomes and semi-attached homes, there are likely restrictions to what changes you can make to the exterior. You shouldn't, for example, just paint your condo townhouse unit’s exterior on a whim. Know the legal, community and other restrictions for what you can and cannot do before you start any exterior projects. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/expert-tips-winter-curb-appeal-1911343/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Expert Tips to Maintain Curb Appeal Once Winter Hits</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Get the Permits
7/14Get the Permits
7/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
This should go without saying, but — once you’ve determined that the changes you’re proposing are allowed and OK with your neighbours — make sure you get the necessary permits for any exterior renovation work you’re going to do. Don’t be tempted to skip steps — especially when neighbours can be impacted, you have to consider what could happen to their property (and you don't want to risk big trouble for failing to follow the rules). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/sell-home-summer-best-outdoor-investments-1938888/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listing Your Home This Summer? Here Are the Best Investments to Make Outdoors</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseGet the Permits
PHOTO 7 of 14READ LESS -This should go without saying, but — once you’ve determined that the changes you’re proposing are allowed and OK with your neighbours — make sure you get the necessary permits for any exterior renovation work you’re going to do. Don’t be tempted to skip steps — especially when neighbours can be impacted, you have to consider what could happen to their property (and you don't want to risk big trouble for failing to follow the rules). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/sell-home-summer-best-outdoor-investments-1938888/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listing Your Home This Summer? Here Are the Best Investments to Make Outdoors</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Share Your Timeline
8/14Share Your Timeline
8/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
As I mentioned earlier, communication with your neighbours is the secret to a stress-free reno experience — so make sure you keep them in the loop on your timelines when you’re making exterior upgrades. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/exterior-upgrades-that-save-money-1918558/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You Money</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseShare Your Timeline
PHOTO 8 of 14READ LESS -As I mentioned earlier, communication with your neighbours is the secret to a stress-free reno experience — so make sure you keep them in the loop on your timelines when you’re making exterior upgrades. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/exterior-upgrades-that-save-money-1918558/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You Money</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Work Fast
9/14Work Fast
9/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
With that in mind, if your exterior upgrades involve noise, workers wandering around or anything that could potentially make your neighbours cranky, it’s especially important (and courteous) to get the project completed as quickly as possible. If you’re doing the job yourself, don’t pick away at it for weeks on end. If this sounds like you, here are some of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/stop-procrastinating-home-reno-1909085/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">my tips to stop procrastinating your home reno</a>.RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseWork Fast
PHOTO 9 of 14READ LESS -With that in mind, if your exterior upgrades involve noise, workers wandering around or anything that could potentially make your neighbours cranky, it’s especially important (and courteous) to get the project completed as quickly as possible. If you’re doing the job yourself, don’t pick away at it for weeks on end. If this sounds like you, here are some of <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/stop-procrastinating-home-reno-1909085/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">my tips to stop procrastinating your home reno</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Know Your Limits
10/14Know Your Limits
10/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Because your home’s exterior isn’t really just your home’s exterior when you’re attached to a neighbour, it’s not the time to take chances with DIY projects that are outside of your capabilities. There’s no shame in hiring a professional for a home improvement project <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/home-projects-never-do-yourself-1908984/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">if you don’t have the skills</a> — and you avoid involving your neighbours in a potential DIY fail. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/timeless-backyard-ideas-trends-1940222/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Timeless Backyard Ideas and Trends to Make You Fall Back in Love With Your Yard</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseKnow Your Limits
PHOTO 10 of 14READ LESS -Because your home’s exterior isn’t really just your home’s exterior when you’re attached to a neighbour, it’s not the time to take chances with DIY projects that are outside of your capabilities. There’s no shame in hiring a professional for a home improvement project <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/home-projects-never-do-yourself-1908984/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">if you don’t have the skills</a> — and you avoid involving your neighbours in a potential DIY fail. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/timeless-backyard-ideas-trends-1940222/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Timeless Backyard Ideas and Trends to Make You Fall Back in Love With Your Yard</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Split the Costs
11/14Split the Costs
11/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
While exterior upgrades require more communication with your neighbours than would be needed in a detached home, they also offer one big benefit: you can sometimes split the costs of big-ticket and necessary projects — like replacing a run-down roof. Keep these advantageous economies of scale in mind when dealing with any downsides! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/10-genius-reno-tips-from-hgtv-canadas-brian-mccourt-1899200/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourt</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseSplit the Costs
PHOTO 11 of 14READ LESS -While exterior upgrades require more communication with your neighbours than would be needed in a detached home, they also offer one big benefit: you can sometimes split the costs of big-ticket and necessary projects — like replacing a run-down roof. Keep these advantageous economies of scale in mind when dealing with any downsides! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/10-genius-reno-tips-from-hgtv-canadas-brian-mccourt-1899200/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourt</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Roof Responsibility
12/14Roof Responsibility
12/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
One of the best places to share the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/new-roof-exterior-upgrade-costs-1941435/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cost of a shared exterior upgrade</a> is with your roof. It’s not just cheaper for neighbours to split the cost of a new roof — if you fix only your side of the roof and your attached neighbour doesn’t, you might run into problems if their roof has issues or leaks. Use those great communication skills and come up with a plan for shared roof repairs and maintenance before there’s a major issue on either side. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/common-roof-repair-myths-1917374/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Don’t Fall for These 10 Common Roof Repair Myths</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseRoof Responsibility
PHOTO 12 of 14READ LESS -One of the best places to share the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/new-roof-exterior-upgrade-costs-1941435/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cost of a shared exterior upgrade</a> is with your roof. It’s not just cheaper for neighbours to split the cost of a new roof — if you fix only your side of the roof and your attached neighbour doesn’t, you might run into problems if their roof has issues or leaks. Use those great communication skills and come up with a plan for shared roof repairs and maintenance before there’s a major issue on either side. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/common-roof-repair-myths-1917374/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Don’t Fall for These 10 Common Roof Repair Myths</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Shared Fences
13/14Shared Fences
13/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
A backyard fence is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a great exterior upgrade</a>, giving your home privacy and a bit of style. Fences are also a place where neighbours can clash — especially when it comes to semi-detached or townhouse yards. First, check that you’re allowed to update your fence (some shared housing developments have rules about what’s allowed). Then, talk to your neighbours. Fences are a project where what you do will for sure impact your neighbour’s space, so they should always be consulted. Don’t forget: they might also be willing to share the cost of the fence.RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseShared Fences
PHOTO 13 of 14READ LESS -A backyard fence is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a great exterior upgrade</a>, giving your home privacy and a bit of style. Fences are also a place where neighbours can clash — especially when it comes to semi-detached or townhouse yards. First, check that you’re allowed to update your fence (some shared housing developments have rules about what’s allowed). Then, talk to your neighbours. Fences are a project where what you do will for sure impact your neighbour’s space, so they should always be consulted. Don’t forget: they might also be willing to share the cost of the fence.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Make Sure You’re Ready for Maintenance
14/14Make Sure You’re Ready for Maintenance
14/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
One last tip: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/#currentSlide=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">think long-term</a> before you consider any exterior upgrades. Are you prepared (and capable) of maintaining the updates you make? For example, don’t plant rows of shrubs that you have no plans of ever pruning. Nothing will annoy your neighbours faster than seeing adjacent spaces in disarray because you aren’t keeping your updates up to par. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/restore-replace-during-reno-tips-1912250/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Restore or Replace? Here’s What You Should Salvage (And Ditch) During a Reno</a>RenovationsShare a Roof or a Fence? How to Handle Exterior Upgrades When You're in a Semi-Detached or TownhouseMake Sure You’re Ready for Maintenance
PHOTO 14 of 14READ LESS -One last tip: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/#currentSlide=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">think long-term</a> before you consider any exterior upgrades. Are you prepared (and capable) of maintaining the updates you make? For example, don’t plant rows of shrubs that you have no plans of ever pruning. Nothing will annoy your neighbours faster than seeing adjacent spaces in disarray because you aren’t keeping your updates up to par. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/restore-replace-during-reno-tips-1912250/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Restore or Replace? Here’s What You Should Salvage (And Ditch) During a Reno</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
