LOW STAKES
My HOA forbids privacy fences but my DIY solution shields my patio from neighbors while still following the ‘rules’
She showed off the end result in a viral video
A HOMEOWNER has gone viral for the DIY fence she put up to bypass her strict homeowners association's restrictions.
Shaye Miko () shared the home solution in a TikTok video, which has since amassed over 4.9 million views.
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In a follow-up clip, she detailed how she built the temporary privacy screen that covers her patio and inflatable pool.
Miko told The U.S. Sun that she had to get creative because her HOA doesn't allow permanent fences.
"I own a condo and couldn’t put up permanent fencing as part of our HOA rules. Our back patios have very limited privacy, so I was looking for a temporary privacy solution to fit our needs," she explained.
"I needed fencing that could sit on top of the concrete patio but couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so I came up with this DIY, and it’s perfect!"
The home transformation cost her roughly $290, which she spent on supplies from Lowe's and Menards.
She picked up six outdoor privacy screens for $30 each, two $15 cedar boards, 25 $1.24 pavers, and 10 $4.71 corner brace brackets.
Other necessary materials included washers and wooden screws that she already had on hand.
"The whole point of my setup here was to keep everything temporary. If you live in a condo and you have an HOA, trust me, you understand," she said.
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"These are temporary privacy fencing panels from Lowe's; they sell them in one packs."
She explained that the fence posed no problems and was easy to disassemble.
"It’s worked great so far! I’ve had it up for almost a month and love it," she told The U.S. Sun.
I transformed my small balcony - my DIY privacy screen made all the difference, I now have a more peaceful view
"When fall comes, I can move it right into storage until next year since it’s very easy to disassemble."
The TikToker added that she appreciated the overwhelming support from fans.
"The response on TikTok has been amazing!" she said.
"I created a short video showing my patio with the temporary fence, and everyone wanted to know where it was from and how I made it; that’s when I made the DIY video showing the process."
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Viewers seconded her affordable DIY, with fans calling the idea "brilliant."
"I work for an HOA and say GO FOR IT!" wrote one commenter.
"I love knowing the rules so that when I break them, I'm breaking them with no room for an argument. Good job!" said another.
"YESSS I’ll follow your “rules” in my own way lol," Miko responded.
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A third called the hack "absolute brilliance," saying, "I'm stealing this idea."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. I live in an HOA, too, and I have been using those metal puppy playpen fencing, but this looks really nice! Gonna steal!" someone else added.
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