Having a fence provides peace of mind to homeowners. Fences can offer many benefits like security, increased home value, and beautification of your property.
Before scheduling a fence installation, there are things to consider. For example, what’s the best fencing material for security and visual appearance? How much maintenance is required to keep the fence looking new? Let’s look at some of the primary factors to consider before scheduling a fence installation.
Size of your yard
The size of the yard plays a significant role in the cost of the fence installation. A larger yard means more fencing is required to keep the property secure. Consider having the land surveyed to ensure that the fencing is placed within your property lines and not someone else’s property.
Understanding the goal of the project
Every homeowner should know why they’re getting the fence in the first place. Some owners are looking to bolster their security, while others want more privacy. Different materials offer different perks. Aluminum is an excellent material for security since it protects against outside elements. However, vinyl can keep the yard more enclosed, making it ideal for privacy. Wood material offers a more traditional aesthetic appeal, while vinyl blends better with modern-style homes. Chain link fencing in residential homes is great for protecting animals and keeping them in a designated yard area. It’s much easier for a professional fence installer to provide recommendations once they understand the goal of the project.
Gas lines
Fence installation requires digging a hole to position the supporting posts. However, it’s vital to know to locate the gas lines around the home. If not, installing the supporting posts could result in puncturing a gas line. Contact the gas company, so they can mark where the lines are located.
Tell your neighbors
Installing a fence without notice sparks a rift between both the owner and neighbor. Informing the neighbors about the project allows everyone within the neighborhood to coexist in harmony. Consider splitting the cost with a neighbor if the fence is shared.
Property lines
Always know the location of the property lines before starting a fence installation project. Examine the deed to their property and decipher which fences they own. Most owners own the fence located to the right of their property. Owners should know which fences they own before removing existing fences, trees, and shrubs only to find out they are the neighbor’s rightful possession. Disputes over ownership of fences and properly can cause expensive legal action. Avoid this by having open communication with neighbors and identifying the proper lines ahead of time.
Do you need a permit?
Before scheduling the fence installation, check with the local municipality to see if permits are required. Requirements will vary based on the location size of the project, along with the height and type of material of the fence. A permit typically requires additional documentation, including a property survey, project plans, sketches, and photos of the property.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Fences are constructed from different materials, and having a good understanding of the type of materials will help to lower maintenance costs. Wooden fences require sealing to protect from water damage and will need occasional painting. It’s also recommended to invest in termite control products to prevent wood destruction.
Vinyl fencing is made from polyvinyl chloride modified to offer ultraviolet resistance to safeguard the material from ultraviolet degradation. Furthermore, it has excellent strength impact to shield against heavy wind. Chain-link fences are woven together by steel wire and coated with zinc-based materials to prevent rusting.
Should you hire professionals?
Professionals can guide homeowners on the perfect style of fence to match their home. They’ll offer their expertise on the best options based on the area they live in, the goals of the fence project, and their property.
Despite common misconceptions, hiring a contractor is more cost-effective. Do-it-yourself projects require the homeowner to purchase the materials and specialized tools at retail price. A professional will have the specialized materials on hand and can offer the materials at a discounted rate. They also are unlikely to make costly mistakes that will require expensive fencing repairs.
Additionally, fence installers advertise long-lasting and high-quality fences. If it doesn’t meet the agreed-upon standards, the company may provide a warranty or fix the poorly installed fences. Keep in mind that installing fences is an excellent long-term investment since it increases the home value. It can make the home much more and appeal to potential buyers.
Choose the right fence installer
A fence is a frame and structure of any property; therefore, it’s vital to ensure that it’s not rushed or done poorly. Make sure to hire a licensed fence contractor with a strong reputation by assessing their customer reviews. Look for a fence installer that offers a warranty for their services. Pay attention to the details of the warranty, such as whether or not it includes the costs of materials needed for repair and the manual labor of the contracting group. Installing a fence can be an exciting and straightforward approach to enhance your home’s exterior and yard. Whether addressing securing concerns or simply replacing an old fence, it’s important to take the proper steps and due diligence to ensure homeowners don’t get into trouble or face expensive repairs down the line.
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