A fence may enhance the appearance of your property while also providing security, privacy, and protection from the weather. But there are a few things you should know before you start building a fence. Here are our best ideas for planning, constructing, and installing a fence for your house.
You should know what you want
Before you put up a fence, consider why you want to put one up in the first place. You can definitely get away with a simple chain-link fence if it's just utilitarian (keeping the dog in the yard). You'll want something tall and substantial if you want to prevent noise or add seclusion. It's likely that your desires are complicated: You want to keep your dogs safe while also adding an aesthetic accent to your home's outside. A fence can serve a variety of purposes, but the first step is knowing what you're looking for so you can find one that suits your needs.
Place your fence in the right direction
Make sure you know which way your wooden fence should face if you're creating a privacy fence. The fence should face the neighbor on the smooth, polished side. The inside side should have the rails and posts exposed. This is how a typical backyard fence is constructed. Your property will not only look better, but your neighbor will appreciate your attention to detail.
Consider the types of fence materials
A white picket fence is classic, but before you go out and buy wood posts and whitewash, consider your commitment. Wood fences may require staining or sealing on a regular basis, and they can warp and decay with time. Consider using a low-maintenance material like vinyl to achieve the look of wood without the effort. Aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and bamboo are among the other materials available.
Fencing types in combination
Mix different styles of fences if money is a concern. Wood picket fencing, for example, might be installed in front of the house and connected to chain link fencing in the back. This combination fence will not only save money on installation, but it will also reduce the amount of fence that needs to be repainted. Incorporating a variety of fencing materials and styles into the landscape also adds interest.
Do your homework
Inquire about restrictions that regulate the look, height, and material of fencing with homeowners, neighborhood groups, and local building code officials. The better-looking side of a fence (the side that doesn't display posts and rails) should be situated toward the public face of the property, according to city and neighborhood guidelines. Inquire about how far back a fence should be placed on your property. A fence must be put back 2 to 8 inches from sidewalks and property lines in most cases. Also, check to see if your fence project would necessitate a construction permit.
Consider going green
Plantings should be placed to create nooks where people won't be able to see your house or some other section of the yard. Keep in mind that such living walls may be covered by municipal building codes and neighborhood fence rules. You'll also have to make sure that the planted materials don't outgrow the constraints in the future.
How much does it cost to build a fence?
According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of installing a wooden fence ranges from $1,673 to $3,983. Wood fences range in price from $17 to $45 per linear foot. Lumber costs between $7 and $15 per foot, while labor costs between $10 and $30 per foot. The length, height, and type of wood used in the fence are all important factors in the cost of a new fence. Gates, hardware, and sealant are all expenses that must be factored into the project's budget.
Check the Property Line
You'll need to figure out where you'll put the fence. Get your property surveyed to ensure that your fence is built entirely on your own land and not partly on your neighbor's. A surveyor's document that identifies a property's boundaries and rights of way is known as a property survey. You may be able to obtain a copy of your property survey from your county's records office if you've misplaced it.
Think of hiring professionals
Fence installation is more difficult than it appears, but the American Fence Association makes it simple to locate a fence contractor in your area. If you choose to employ a professional, ask to view examples of previous fences they've built. Hire licensed businesses and individuals because they are usually bonded and insured. To get a comprehensive view of how the companies compare up against each other, request three to six quotations from contractors.
Be a good neighbor
Be transparent and honest about your fencing ideas with your neighbors. Try not to obstruct their views needlessly. A party fence can be built and shared by two or more neighbors, but such agreements should be in writing and signed only after professional property borders have been established. It's considered good etiquette to build a good neighbor fence, which is a wood privacy fence with the finished side (the more appealing, smooth side) facing the neighbor's land.
Think about the weather
Concrete anchors are required for fence posts in frigid northern locations that encounter frost. To prevent distortion in a cold snap, fasten the post 36 inches deep. Vinyl is the finest material for warmer, damper regions, as wood is subject to water damage. Wood, bamboo, and metal fences are the most resilient in extremely cold areas.
Construct entrances
Plan at least two paths into a walled area for safety and convenience. Make sure one of these can fit hefty outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and huge garbage cans. Gate locations can be marked with stepping stones, pergolas, and other aesthetic components. A stunning entry to any yard is a traditional white picket fence combined with a matching arbor and gate.
Make it look nice
Allow a little extra money in your fence budget to incorporate your personal flair into the project. Customize your fence with decorative posts or finials after it's up and running. Depending on the style of your property, you might want to paint the fence a modern color. For a genuinely welcome facade, consider planting a row of flowers in front of it. To create a wall of living color, mount plant hanger hooks to a wood fence and insert pots potted with annuals.