15 Things to Consider Before Fencing In Your Yard

Introduction

Installing a fence around your yard isn’t as simple as calling a fence installation company and having a fence the next day. There are a number of factors to take into consideration, including price, material, property boundaries, utility lines, and even climate. With proper planning, you can enjoy a stress-free fence installation process that will guarantee you long-term satisfaction with the end result.

Why You Need a Fence

Before breaking ground on your fence, the very first question you should be asking yourself might seem like the most obvious: Why do you want a fence? What will its primary function be–decor? Security? Privacy? Your purpose for installing your fence will determine how you make decisions for everything else, including price, height, and material.

Property Limits

One of the most mortifying mistakes you could possibly make while installing a fence is to install the fence over your neighbor’s property line. Not only would it be costly to fix, but you might also stir up some bad blood with your neighbors if they suspect it to be intentional. You can avoid this problem altogether by getting your property surveyed beforehand.

Visibility

You must also consider how much of the fence–and your property–you want visible to your neighbors. If you want a more see-through fence (which is, strangely enough, more secure than a solid fence), you may want to go for a chain-link or wrought iron fence. If you wish to hide your property from prying eyes, you may want to opt for a solid wooden one instead.

Permits

Not every locality will require a permit to build your fence, but many do; therefore, save yourself the trouble by making sure you get a building permit beforehand. Obtaining a permit will also help you to see right away whether there are any height or material restrictions in your area that may affect your fence building decisions.

Sustainability

Another factor that may be worth considering is the sustainability of your fence. Some materials are simply better for the planet than others, even if they don’t initially appear as nice. You may even consider opting for a totally natural, “living” fence made of trees and bushes. These may be more difficult to maintain and require a totally different process, but they also serve to create homes for wildlife and make the planet more green while still providing you with necessary privacy and decor.

Utility Lines

Before hiring a fence installation company, it is imperative that you call your local utility company to mark any underground lines that could be disturbed during the installation process. This way, your fencing company will know to work around them, and you won’t cause yourself–or your neighbors–unnecessary hassle.

Professionals vs. DIY

Another consideration you may have to make is whether to build the fence yourself or hire professionals. In general, we always recommend going with professionals. It may initially appear more expensive, but it will save you on repair costs down the road that may be do to inexperienced craftsmanship. Always ask to see samples, compare prices, and ensure they are licensed beforehand.

Height Restrictions

Many localities–particularly those that fall under HOA’s–have specific height restrictions that need to be observed when installing your fence. Make sure you check up on your property’s regulations before installing your fence, as some may require the fence to be as short as four feet. Additionally, installing a fence taller than 8 feet poses a risk, as the fence is more likely to blow over due to wind hitting the surface area.

Neighbor Input

If your property closely borders your neighbor’s, you might consider sharing your fencing plans with them and seeking their input. After all, you wouldn’t want to interfere with their lives either by potentially blocking their view. Obviously, the choice to put a fence around your property is yours at the end of the day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be neighborly in the process.

Materials

Choosing your fence material is one of the most important fence decisions you could make–and it should not be taken lightly. The material will affect the cost, appearance, security, visibility, and amount of maintenance you will need to conduct in the coming years. You have many options to choose from, though some are more suitable for specific needs, climates, and households. If a certain material becomes too expensive, you can mix materials by putting a more expensive, decorative fence in the front, and a simple chain-link fence in the back.

Price

The price range for fences is wide, ranging from around $1,500 to nearly $4,000 depending on material, difficulty of installation, and type of company. Labor, materials, height, length, wood type, necessary hardware, and finishing sealant are all factors that may significantly impact the price. Always get a price estimate from a contractor before continuing–and consider comparing that price among a wide range of companies.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the decisions you make regarding the installation of your fence are up to you. However, there are a few major considerations that should be made before you ever start the fence installation process. Taking these factors into consideration is imperative for a smooth installation process, and will ensure that you can enjoy your fence stress-free for years to come.

About Rio Grande Fence

Rio Grande Fence has been providing excellence to the Tri-State area for over 57 years. Our service area includes Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Our fencing projects can be seen in residential homes throughout the Tri-State area, as well as commercial businesses such as the University Of Kentucky and Cincinnati Airport. We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau, The Associated General Contractors, the Home Builders Association of Lexington, and the American Fence Association. Rio Grande Fence provides the fence installation Lexington KY trusts including quality wood fence, vinyl fence, aluminum fence, chain link fence, ornamental fence, privacy fence, decorative fence, pool fence, gates and gate operators. Learn More.