Yes! You need to check the dimensions of the timber used, and also the construction methods, as there are many different ways to build a fence. 75mm x 50mm rails are not ideal, as over time the fence will sag between the posts. 100mm x 50mm rails are superior. 100mm x 100mm posts are preferable to 100mm x 75mm posts. Even the types of nails used can make a difference to the quality of your fence.
It is much better to cut and nail rails in between the posts. It takes a little longer but you get a much neater more professional looking job. In addition there is no gap between the face of the post and the palings.
Yes and No. Timber used should be treated for the job, so will not rot prematurely. However timber is a natural product, and sun and heat will make it warp. Painting / staining your fence with a suitable product will help to minimise warping. The more expensive styles of fence made with dressed timber should be painted soon after construction with a white / light colour. Painting with dark colours will encourage warping. For the more expensive styles of fence, consider laminated posts. Once painted, these should not warp. They are however more expensive. Generally the majority of people do not paint /stain rough sawn paling fences. So you can expect the posts to twist to some extent. Construction methods can help minimise warping.
The only fail safe way to determine this, is to get your boundary surveyed. This will however cost $300 to $600. Generally you can have a fair idea of where your boundary is, by checking existing fencing. If you can agree with the neighbour, then this usually suffices and saves spending money on surveyors. The middle of the fence / posts is generally placed on the boundary.
If you do not have a fence, or the existing fence is past its use by date, then under the Fencing Act the neighbour has to pay half of the cost of a standard style fence (this is usually a 1.8m h close board paling fence). However there is a process you need to follow (check the council website as there is some useful information on this here). Firstly, you need to get agreement or a resolution prior to building the fence. If they don’t agree you will need to issue them with a fencing notice. Get things in writing.
We will have given you an approximate starting date. We will ring you a day or two prior to the job starting to let you know when materials are being delivered. Please tell us if there are any specific delivery instructions. We do not leave materials on the footpath verge as they are inclined to be stolen.