Installing the right fence might not be as challenging compared to other home renovation tasks. For this reason, many people find themself putting it off until the last minute. Even though it won’t take as much time and consideration as upgrading your deck or patio, you can still experience many issues if you don’t follow a carefully thought-out procedure.
Is your property in need of a new fence? To avoid any bumps in the road, make sure to implement these important steps before getting started:
Contact a Land Surveyor
Everyone wants to keep friendly relations with their neighbours. A property line dispute is a concern highly prevalent between unfriendly neighbours, so it’s best to check in advance whether the fence you intend to build intrudes onto an adjacent property that is technically not yours to build upon. It’s best not to build immediately and contact a local surveyor who can tell you the exact marked locations on your side of the property line—not directly on the dividing line.
Contact Your Local Gas Company
Again, when it comes to digging on property lines, you never know what issues could arise without due diligence. If you start digging and accidentally hit a gas line, you could risk property damage, severe injury, or death. It’s in your best interest to contact a local gas company at least five (5) days before you would like to begin your fencing project. They should provide a service free of charge to help you locate and avoid gas lines before you start digging.
Find Out Your “Why”
Before doing anything else, you have to ask yourself why you want a fence in the first place. Whether you’re looking to protect your pets or maintain a certain level of privacy, you should consider your fence’s function to find the right one.
Don’t Skip Your Due Diligence
As with every major project, it’s important to do your research! In this case, that means looking into building codes or city and neighbourhood rules to ensure you’re not committing any violations. While you’re digging, find out the optimal position for your fencing and if you would require a building permit. The regulations for fencing and property modifications vary depending on the specific city you reside in, so ensure that you look up the information on local company websites.
Consider the Entry and Exit Points
When planning your new fencing, remember that a best practice for safety and ease of access is to ensure two points of entry/exit for your outdoor space. Of course, it is convenient to have multiple entrances for yourself, your pets or your guests. However, this is more of an essential consideration regarding emergency exits, as it may be necessary for your property to have more than one location for you to exit in the event of a fire. In addition to planning a strategic location for your entry and exit points, it is also necessary for you to think ahead regarding your equipment; outdoor furniture, snowblowers, lawn care and landscaping equipment and other tools must be easy to fit through your entrance and exit.
Look into Fence Materials
You will be surprised to find that fences are available in many materials! If you want something super durable or low-maintenance, you can consider steel, wrought iron, and Aluminium fence panels. Some of the many options to choose from include aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and bamboo. It is a critical step to consider the regular maintenance and repairs your fence may require based on its material. For instance, a wood fence will weather quite easily each winter season and will require staining, painting, and other refurbishments every year. On the other side of the equation, you can utilize vinyl fencing material if you desire less upkeep, as it is resistant to UV light and will never need a new paint job.
Hire a Professional
If you have never installed a fence before, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Make sure to hire specifically licensed companies and individuals. That way, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your fence is in the right hands.
Get Creative
Don’t forget to have fun with your project! Once installed, dress up your fence to complement your home’s style! You can try painting it a colour that speaks to you. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, customize it with anything, from decorative posts to beautiful flowers.
Are you excited to get a new fence? Remember to follow these instructions to find the perfect one that suits your home!
Author’s Bio
Afsara Tasnim is a content writer for BreezeMaxWeb, who helps businesses grow their online presence by creating engaging copy. She enjoys taking photographs of nature and exploring the outdoors during her spare time.
