10 Things You Need to Know Before Building a Fence

Building a fence for your house sounds like a beautiful activity. We have seen people doing it in the movies all the time. However, the process isn’t as simple as you might think. A fence needs proper planning and checking with the neighbors, local authorities, and other parties.

So if you are planning to build a fence around your house, there are a few things you need to know. Luckily, you are on the right page, as today we will list ten things you need to know before building a fence.

10 Things to Know Before Building a Fence

Lay Out a Vision

Building a fence around your property will change how your property looks on the outside. It is a significant decision, and hence it also requires considerable planning. You must meditate on the thought of why I am building this fence.

For instance, if you’re getting a fence to stop your kids or dog from running out onto the road, you’ll need a different fence than if you’re trying to add a decorative element to your front yard.

Know Your Property Lines

Building a fence around your property is a strong statement, no matter how you put it. So if you are a homeowner, you must know your property lines. No one will allow you to build a fence on their property, which might also lead to conflicts.

Your fence-building project should not infringe on your neighbor’s or government’s property. It is vital to research property lines and then start the project.

Check the Regulations

If there’s one thing the city council loves more than anything, it is fencing regulations. Depending on your region, there can be different fencing guidelines and regulations. So make sure you do your research about the height and look restrictions.

Just remember, there’s nothing worse than building a fence only to be told you must tear it down and start again because the posts and rails are facing the road or you have obstructed your neighbor’s property. It will be not only very costly to do it all over again but also very time-consuming.

Research on Materials

Apparently, people love fencing, and because of the high demand, there are many choices for materials when it comes to fencing. But do not let the abundant options misguide you.

The materials you choose for your fence have a significant say on how much maintenance you will have to put into keeping your fence in good condition.

For instance, you might like wooden fences, and they look great, but they require more maintenance than an aluminum slat fence that can be made to look like wood. The bottom line is that you must choose materials that suit your vision, budget, and lifestyle.

Talk to the Neighbors

As mentioned earlier, building a fence can raise certain negative connotations in your neighbors. So if you’re planning a fence that borders your neighbor’s property, you must involve them. By applying them, you can ensure that you don’t infringe on their property, block their view, or ruin the aesthetic of their house.

Building a fence is very exciting, and you may not even consider anything else, but this can lead to ongoing disputes. Most of the time, you can come to an agreement just by communicating with them nicely. Sometimes you even benefit from it as the neighbors agree to share the cost of building the fence.

Call 811

While this might sound lame, calling 811 before digging anything can save you from hefty fines from the government, and it is also vital for safety. If you start digging without any information, you can easily hit a gas, cable, or electrical line buried on your property. This can have serious implications.

Hence, before you start digging, call 811, and their representative will come and mark any of the areas you need to avoid.

Compare the Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

Everyone loves to do these little home improvement projects themselves. However, building a fence is not a small project. If you are doing it for the safety of your kids or pets or to stop the intrusion, then it becomes even more critical.

You must compare what is more cost-effective in the long run: Doing it yourself or hiring a contractor.

Remember, it is not just building a fence; there is maintenance as well. Consider the costs of installation, materials, and care to determine whether hiring a professional or doing it yourself is more cost-effective.

Consider Where You Live

The fence is going to be out and face the weather in your area all the time. So you must select the materials that go well with your area.

You can go around and ask people who already have a fence and see what their experience is with the materials. This will help you select the best materials for fencing for your area.

Try to Blend In

We often feel like standing out from the crowd, but this might not go well with fencing. You see, a locality’s unique aesthetic makes it special. It’s essential to pay attention to your street and neighborhood. While you may want to stand out and showcase your style, you don’t want your fence to look different from the rest of the area.

Take inspiration from the surrounding architecture and try to blend in. You can still add your own touch. This can help increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell.

Don’t Forget the Access Points

You don’t want to design a fence that makes it hard for you to go in and out of your property. When designing your fence, it’s important to consider access points.

Ideally, there should be two points of access to every fenced area. This ensures that you can easily bring in and out items like wheelie bins, lawnmowers, or even cars.

We hope these tips help you design the best fence in your neighborhood.