What you need to know before you start to build a fence
Building a new fence around your yard can be a tedious task that many do not attempt to accomplish on their own. Often times people will shell out big bucks to fencing companies to do the work for them as they do not want to deal with the attention to detail, time, and grit that is required to complete such a project. There are people however, that enjoy doing projects such as this and build beautiful fences all by themselves or with the help of friends or family members.
This article will identify main things that you need to consider when deciding if you want to do it yourself or hire a company to build a fence around your yard.
Budget
If you have an endless budget and you do not mind spending a great sum of money on a new fence, hiring a company is an easy choice. However, if you want to save money on labor costs, building the fence yourself is going to be more budget-friendly. One way to save a great deal of money when building a fence is to rent the equipment that you will need to dig holes for your fence poles. Spend some time doing research on the tools that you will need. Instead of purchasing big ticket items that you will need such as an auger, it is a good idea to look into heavy equipment rental. This can save you a great deal of money, time, and frustration in digging the holes yourself!
Type
Consider the type of fence you want to build. Do you want a wood fence or a plastic fence? Maybe you have an interest in building a stone fence or a chain-link fence? There are benefits to all types of fences. In addition, each type has their own unique aesthetic and style that could change the look and feel of your property. When choosing the fence for your property, do so wisely as you will likely have it for many years.
Research
Check with homeowners or neighborhood associations and municipal building code officials regarding covenants that dictate fencing look, height, and material. In some cases, the city and neighborhood rules may specify the better-looking side of a fence to be placed toward the public face of the property. That is the side of the fence that doesn’t show posts and rails. One of the most important things to check is the regulated distance a fence has to be set back from sidewalks and property lines. In some cases (brick or concrete fence or unusually high fence) your fence will need a building permit and you should check that out before you start to build a fence.
Maintenance
Keep in mind the required maintenance that your fence will require of you after it is built. The white plastic fence may look fantastic when it is first built, but it could get dirty and need power washed on a regular basis. On the contrary, a wood fence may look wonderful when it is first built but if it is not treated properly on a regular basis, it may rot and need to be replaced.
Conclusion
In every combination, budget is always starting point when deciding if you want to build a fence on your own or hire out a company to do it for you. If you choose to build the fence yourself then you should check out our tutorial on How to build your own fence. Don’t rush into the project and consider the type of fence as well as the long-term maintenance that will be required of you for upkeep. Regardless of what you choose to do, it is important to take care of your investment and check your fence on a routine basis to make sure that it is still solid in its stature.