Maybe you’ve looked out onto the open landscape of your front yard or backyard and decided a beautiful white picket fence will complete the exterior of your home. Or maybe you’ve watched too much HGTV and decided that a living wall surrounding your home will create a tranquil sanctuary. Either way, there’s a lot to consider before you build a fence in your yard.
Things You Should Know Before You Build a Fence in Your Yard
From the installation to the sealing process, there’s a lot of factors to consider. However, you’ve come to the right place to begin that journey! Welcome, and consider these tips while constructing your perfect-picture fence.
Do Your Research
A yard fence is a big investment, and it could even improve the value of your home. There are many factors you want to consider before you change the superficial appearance of your home.
First things first, you want to do your research on what’s available. Wood, PVC, wrought iron and many more materials are out there.
You should establish a budget for this project and see what works and what doesn’t. You might not be able to build your dream fence, but you can still put up a beautiful fence in your yard. Another thing you’ll want to consider in your planning is warrants, building codes, hazards, and possible regulations put in by your homeowner’s association. While your home is your property, you don’t want to get into any trouble for crossing easily avoidable red tape.
First things first, you want to do your research on what’s available. Wood, PVC, wrought iron and many more materials are out there.
You should establish a budget for this project and see what works and what doesn’t. You might not be able to build your dream fence, but you can still put up a beautiful fence in your yard. Another thing you’ll want to consider in your planning is warrants, building codes, hazards, and possible regulations put in by your homeowner’s association. While your home is your property, you don’t want to get into any trouble for crossing easily avoidable red tape.
The Style of Fence
Consider the mixing of fence styles – bamboo, wrought iron, white picket and wood fence are beautiful on their own but imagine if they were combined? What effect can you strike with mixed styles? How might you mix and match styles to create a unique flair for your yard. Give yourself time to think about these details.
If you are patient, you can invest your money in your unique vision.
However, this doesn’t just apply to the material and outward appearance of the fence. You might want to stagger the height of your fence. You don’t always need to create a uniform box around your yard. Consider the type of upkeep and maintenance you want for your fence – or if you want minimal maintenance.
This could rule out material, size and the stretch of your budget.
If you are patient, you can invest your money in your unique vision.
However, this doesn’t just apply to the material and outward appearance of the fence. You might want to stagger the height of your fence. You don’t always need to create a uniform box around your yard. Consider the type of upkeep and maintenance you want for your fence – or if you want minimal maintenance.
This could rule out material, size and the stretch of your budget.
Position Your Fence Correctly
Regardless of where your fence is located: be aware of positioning, and the pole distance. Typically, a fence needs to be positioned somewhere specifically on your property, like six inches away from the sidewalk. On top of this, you want to make sure you have the correct sides facing outward and inward.
A fence is usually built so the “finished” side faces outward. If you are building it on the front lawn, it creates a more pleasant image for your neighbors and passerbyers.
If you also want to see the finished side, there are fences with two finished sides! If you don’t care about what you see, then make sure to keep the “unfinished” side facing in and the “finished” side facing out.
A fence is usually built so the “finished” side faces outward. If you are building it on the front lawn, it creates a more pleasant image for your neighbors and passerbyers.
If you also want to see the finished side, there are fences with two finished sides! If you don’t care about what you see, then make sure to keep the “unfinished” side facing in and the “finished” side facing out.
Know the Prices Upfront
Any large-scale project is going to be a big dent in the wallet.
However, it doesn’t have to be.
Know your budget, and keep an eye on permits, landscaping, and building costs on top of the cost of wood, gates, paint and hardware. A standard fence might cost somewhere between $1,000 USD to $5,000 USD depending on the type of material, length, and customizable details of the fence.
According to HomeAdvisor, a typical wooden fence installed ranges $17 USD to $45 USD per linear foot. These numbers can jump around based on the fence's length, height, and specific wood type. You should have these numbers crunched before the build begins, and there needs to be wiggle room for mistakes, and additional costs like hidden fees or HOA-related fees.
However, it doesn’t have to be.
Know your budget, and keep an eye on permits, landscaping, and building costs on top of the cost of wood, gates, paint and hardware. A standard fence might cost somewhere between $1,000 USD to $5,000 USD depending on the type of material, length, and customizable details of the fence.
According to HomeAdvisor, a typical wooden fence installed ranges $17 USD to $45 USD per linear foot. These numbers can jump around based on the fence's length, height, and specific wood type. You should have these numbers crunched before the build begins, and there needs to be wiggle room for mistakes, and additional costs like hidden fees or HOA-related fees.
Consider Hiring Professionals
A DIY fence project could be a nightmare in the making! Professionals like Fencing Unlimited take the hassle out of customary fence builds – building high quality fences from a wide variety of materials quickly and efficiently.
The same can’t always be said for a fence project tackled by an amateur. That could end up costing you more in the long run than a professional rebuild.
You can get estimates from contractors, and you can see examples of their previous work. This might be your first journey with a big landscaping project, but licensed professionals are equipped with a wealth of knowledge. If it fits into your budget: save yourself the trouble and hire a professional.
The same can’t always be said for a fence project tackled by an amateur. That could end up costing you more in the long run than a professional rebuild.
You can get estimates from contractors, and you can see examples of their previous work. This might be your first journey with a big landscaping project, but licensed professionals are equipped with a wealth of knowledge. If it fits into your budget: save yourself the trouble and hire a professional.
Communicate with Your Neighbors
Oftentimes, replacing or building a new fence could have a big impact on your neighbors. If your property lines are up against each other, it is customary to consult with them first. You want to be considerate to your neighbors if your homes are in close proximity with each other.
This could actually be a great way to shave off the cost – if you share an already existing fence with a neighbor, ask them if they’d like to split the cost with you and pay for a repair.
Consult with your neighbor first if they would be uncomfortable with your design, perhaps it doesn’t fit in with the overall aesthetic of your living community. Be kind, communicative and open with your neighbors if your new landscape could have an impact on them.
This could actually be a great way to shave off the cost – if you share an already existing fence with a neighbor, ask them if they’d like to split the cost with you and pay for a repair.
Consult with your neighbor first if they would be uncomfortable with your design, perhaps it doesn’t fit in with the overall aesthetic of your living community. Be kind, communicative and open with your neighbors if your new landscape could have an impact on them.
Think About Maintenance
Lastly, consider the climate and weather patterns of your area. Is a wooden fence the best option for a wet climate? Could a dry, hot living area warp a laminate or plastic fence? You want to consider the longevity of your fence. You want to avoid a material susceptible to rusting, cracking, water damage and a short lifespan.
Keeps these tips in mind, and let your creative mind flow!
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