Important Factors to Consider Before Installing a Fence – A custom designed Nautical Fence installed by Fencemakers, Australia
Most homeowners who make the decision to install a fence on their property do so for a specific reason. For example, you may have the desire to add security to your property, to keep your kids and pets safely enclosed in your yard, to keep wildlife out of your yard and more. While some fences may be installed purely for safety, security or other functional purposes, some homeowners may want to add a decorative element to their yard with the installation of a fence.
While your own needs and desires for the fence may help you to select the right style to install in your yard, there are a few other key points to consider before you call a fencing company for installation.
Important Factors to Consider Before Installing a Fence
Building Codes
Many homeowners live inside cities or towns, neighborhoods and other municipalities that do have building codes in place. Codes can vary from municipality to municipality and from neighborhood to neighborhood. However, they may affect the height of the fence, how far the fence must be setback from the road, its placement on utility easements, its color and material and more. For some homeowners, these rules may be fairly lenient. For other homeowners, however, the rules can drastically reduce and limit the fencing options available to you. The local law governing such codes is among the necessary factors to consider before installing a fence. For this reason, it is best to contact your neighborhood association as well as the municipality where you live to learn more about code restrictions that you must abide by.
Your Neighbor
In most cases, the fence that you build will butt up against a property line that you share with a neighbor. This means that your fence will become a fixture that your neighbor must live with as well. To maintain good relations with your neighbor, it is a smart idea to contact your neighbor about your plans to build the fence. In some cases, your neighbor may be willing to contribute to the price of the fence if it benefits him in some way. Your neighbor may have some suggestions or recommendations that you can take into account, and this can help you to keep the peace with your neighbor. This might well prove to be one of the very important factors to consider before installing a fence.
Your Climate
There are a variety of styles of fences that you can choose to install on your property, and with most styles, you can choose to use different materials for the installation. For example, with styles like privacy or picket fences, you can choose cedar slats, treated press board slats, vinyl and more. Even a chain link fence with a privacy screen may provide you with privacy. Consider the climate that you live in and research which materials may be more durable and resistant to the elements.
Durability and Maintenance
While the climate will affect the durability of the material you choose for your fence, other factors will also play a role. For example, some areas are more prone to wood-destroying insects. Wet climates may be more harsh on metal fences. Even in an ideal climate, however, wood fences may need to be stained and treated periodically. Privacy screening on a chain link fence may become damaged if it is placed too close to shrubbery or damage may be caused by pets and wild animals. By considering the durability and maintenance of the material that you choose, you can minimize the maintenance cost for your fence and enjoy improved aesthetic appeal for a longer period of time.
The Appeal of a Fence
If you live in a rural area and simply want to install an affordable fence to keep wildlife out of your yard, an affordable chain link fence may be ideal. Many homeowners, however, want to install a fence that will look great on their property and that will add style. There are numerous stylistic features that can be added to a privacy fence. You can discuss those options in detail with a professional fence installation company among other important factors to consider before installing a fence. Other commonly used styles that boast aesthetic appeal include a picket fence and a split rail wood fence.
Eco-Friendly Options
When selecting the right fence material and style, another one of the useful factors to consider before installing a fence is an eco-friendly option. Eco-friendly options may be those made of recycled materials or materials that can be recycled after use. They may also be biodegradable and require minimal maintenance over time. Bamboo fencing is a smart choice because this type of wood grows quickly to minimize the issue of deforestation. The material also is more weather resistant than other types of wood and may require minimal maintenance and upkeep. You may also consider other materials like wrought iron, aluminum and recycled wood materials as eco-friendly options.
Left: Bamboo Fencing has it’s own charm. Photo Courtesy: Patty Myrick
Your Budget
Your budget for the fence is a factor that you cannot overlook. Fencing prices vary considerably based on factors like the material used, the height of the fence, the spacing of the posts, decorative features added to the fence and more. To save money, you may consider installing a slightly shorter fence or using a combination of materials. For example, if your home backs up to vacant or undeveloped land, you may consider installing a tall privacy fence along the sides of your yard and a chain link fence along the back of the yard. Tall bushes and shrubs can be planted along the rear of your yard if needed for additional privacy or to add decorative appeal to the yard.
A professional fencing company like Fencemakers of Perth, Australia can help you with a variety of designs (above) for your fence and install it within a short period of time.
Many homeowners consider installing their fence on their own, but there are good reasons why you should contact a professional fencing company for installation. First, it can take a considerable amount of time and effort to dig post holes and set posts. It may take you several weeks to do the same job that a fencing company can do within a day or two.
Furthermore, you want your fence to look perfect and to have durable construction. Fencing experts can provide you with a variety of options including aluminium fencing which will provide you with a professional look as a finished result, and some may offer a warranty on their work. The company can also assist you in selecting the right materials and style for your yard. You can enjoy the benefits of a fence more fully and easily when you contact a professional for installation of your fence.
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