Need a New Fence?
Consider the pros and cons of DIY or hiring a Professional. There are many factors to consider when you decide to build a fence. These include fencing regulations, the time and money you will need, and the type of fence that is right for your home’s needs and climate. If you lack experience with building fences on your own, DIY can end up being much costlier than if you had hired a professional to do the job in the first place.
A new fence has many different uses and purposes. It can add value to your property if you ever decide to sell it. It provides security and privacy for your home/business. It creates a safe environment for your children and pets who enjoy playing outside. And with fences coming in such a wide range of materials and styles, they can create a great aesthetic for your property, creating elegance or nostalgia that draws the eye and warms the visitor when they first pull up to your place.
While many people believe that building a fence yourself may save you money, consider whether you have the tools, skills and time. DIY fencing kits are available from home-improvement stores and specialist fencing companies. However, installing a sturdy fence can be a very lengthy process. If a fence is completed correctly it can last a long time and increase the value of your property. But, without the relevant experience and knowledge of fence construction and installation, you may end up wasting your time and money and needing to call a professional in to correct the issues before they cost you even more.
Unless you are using basket-and-gravel or the wooden-brace method, most fences need post holes – holes in the ground in which the fence posts are placed. This is the most difficult part of building a fence so it is critical that the holes are evenly spaced and leveled before the posts are installed. If the posts are not installed correctly, you will end up with a crooked and unsteady fence that will not withstand the first blast of high winds.
A contractor will know how to avoid tree roots, pipes, wiring, underground cabling and most importantly intruding on a neighbor’s property. If you DIY, you may find yourself having to hire a plumber to deal with an accidentally burst water pipe or worse.
The layout of your property has a significant effect on your fence. If there are areas that rise or fall you will need to adjust the length of the fence posts and/or the height of the fence. This means you will require different-sized posts and fences, (not available in a DIY kit generally), and difficult to estimate if you buy the materials on your own. A contractor will also know of some more creative, aesthetically pleasing designs for fencing on uneven terrain.
Lastly, most local governments have laws regarding fences covering things like the height, materials and where they sit on the boundary. Before commencing installing a fence, it’s important to clarify these laws, including the laws that cover an agreement with any neighbors who may be affected by the new fence.
