The Fence War of Maple Street

My neighbor Dave built a fence. A nice fence. Cedar, six feet, stained dark walnut. Beautiful.

Two inches over the property line.

I mentioned it. Casually. Neighborly. "Hey Dave, I think the fence might be a couple inches onto my side."

Dave said, "No it isn't."

I showed him the survey stakes. Dave said the survey was wrong.

I hired a surveyor. The surveyor confirmed: the fence was 2.3 inches over. I showed Dave the report.

Dave hired his own surveyor. His surveyor said 1.8 inches. "See? It's less than two inches. That's basically nothing."

I asked Dave to move the fence. Dave said he'd move it when I paid for half the fence since it was "basically shared."

I said I didn't ask for a fence. Dave said I was benefiting from the fence. I said I was benefiting from 2.3 inches less yard.

Dave put up a "No Trespassing" sign on his side of the fence. I pointed out that his side of the fence was technically my side of the fence.

We're both now paying lawyers. The combined legal fees have exceeded $8,000. The fence cost $2,400. The 2.3 inches of land in question is worth approximately $47.

Dave and I used to be friends. We used to have beers on Fridays. Now we communicate exclusively through certified mail.

All because of two inches.