Whether you are interested in installing a fence in your front or backyard for added style to your landscaping, privacy, or protection of your furry friends, there are a few steps that everyone ought to take in order to ensure that their fence installment will go swimmingly. The last thing you want upon close completion of the installation process is to find out you are intruding on your neighbor’s property or your fence material / style does not follow local zoning codes and regulations. Follow this guide closely, especially if you are a first-timer when it comes to putting up a fence, and you will be able to enjoy the added beauty and security that your fence provides to your yard in no time!
Survey the Property Line
This step is absolutely vital and should be done before you take any other measures in preparing for the set-up of your new fence. If the survey plans / blueprints you have handy of your property lines are over a few years old or if you lost the ones given to you when you bought your home, it would be a wise decision to reach out to home-owner authorities for some updated plans. It might seem nit-picky and outrageous, but you can easily receive a notice that requires you to tear down and move your newly installed fence even if you are just a few inches over your neighbor’s property. Avoid the embarrassment of your HOA or local county authorities reprimanding your poor planning in putting up your fence and make sure you have an up-to-date survey handy as you install your new fence.
Check Local Regulations and HOA Rules
Not only can there be major issues with you installing a fence that creeps over the property line of your lovely neighbors, but there can also be problems with the type and style of fence you put up in your yard. Especially if you live in a historic neighborhood or area, the regulations on what kind of fences are allowed can be extremely strict and particular. First, make sure you are allowed to install a fence in the first place (some neighborhoods interestingly do not permit fencing between properties). Next, make sure that the material of fencing you choose is acceptable—HOA regulations can be heavy-handed about whether or not aluminum or wood are used for example. Another thing to keep in mind regarding local regulations is how high the fence can reach. Some neighborhoods may only let you put up a fence that is three to four feet high, whereas others would allow you to put one up that is six feet tall. All of these factors may seem frustrating to follow at first, especially if you have your own unique taste in backyard décor, but taking these factors into account will prevent the headache of having to pay for your fence to be ripped out and the installation of a brand new one.
Check in with Your Neighbors
Whether you are close friends with your neighbors or they choose to keep to themselves, for the most part, it can be a good idea to consult with them about the construction of your new fence. As installing a fence can be loud and disruptive at times, it is important that you make sure your neighbors are in agreement with the timeline you choose for installation. Though you have the right to build your fence whenever you would like to, making nice with the neighbors can prevent you from dealing with any issues in the future. Furthermore, it is a good idea if the neighbors are particular and/or have fragile pets on their property to make sure that the building materials and tools used stay on your side of the fence overnight.
Reach out to Local Utilities
You have surveyed your property line, checked local regulations, and reached out to your neighbors about the construction process. Now what? Be sure before you start construction to give your county utilities provider a phone call and have them send a representative down to you. These representatives can mark your property to show you where there are gas, power, and water lines lying secretly beneath the surface of your lawn. The last thing you want upon starting or even almost finishing your fence construction is to puncture a power line. This could create many problems not only for your family but also for your kind neighbors who already have a lot going on in their lives. Be courteous to yourself and others by taking all safety measures to ensure that no utilities supplying the neighborhood are disrupted by your construction.
Take the Time to Clean Up
It can be tough to keep your yard maintained and clean, especially if you already struggle with keeping the inside of your home in order. Life can be hectic, and your lawn can show this at times. However, when beginning a construction project to install a brand new fence, it is very important to clear the area of anything that may get in the way of the fence installers. Imagine having to interrupt your workday or errand running by having to drive on home to clear tall and unruly grasses or bushes to yield an open path for your fencing.
Aesthetic Considerations
There are a few things you want to keep in mind when it comes to the curb appeal of the fence you choose to install. First off, it is important to make sure that it will match the landscaping that is already done in your yard. If the landscaping is modern and eclectic, it might be best to choose a wire fence that would give off the same vibes. Furthermore, you may want to match your fence style to that of your house itself. One last thing to consider before installing your fence is that there are often two different sides of the fence in terms of appearance. You likely would want to put the nicer looking outside of the fence facing the street in front of your home.
Installation of a fence can be a huge task, particularly for those who have not had experience doing it in the past. However, by following these tips you can be sure to set your feet down the right path. By doing the work upfront, you can ensure that no unexpected major issues will arise while you are actively installing your fence.