Adding a fence to your home can provide safety and privacy while also improving your home’s value. Unfortunately, installing a fence yourself often results in several common mistakes. In addition to choosing to install a fence that suits your home’s needs and your skill level, you’ll want to avoid these pitfalls.
Being Unaware of Legal Restrictions: Property Boundaries and Zoning Laws
There are legal factors and possible ordinances (regarding fence types, styles, sizes, colors, and heights) to consider before adding a fence to your property. Be sure to to have your fence approved by your local zoning office or homeowner’s association and verify your exact property lines before any building begins by having an assessment performed by a licensed surveyor. Building an unapproved or improperly placed fence can lead to you having to move the fence and/or face hefty fines and legal fees.
Incorrect Measurements
Measure your project areas (size and height) multiple times in order to ensure you have the correct amount of materials. Take into account the post holes and any custom cuts you may need to make.
Forgetting to Call the Utility Company
Always call before you dig! Most fence posts require having one-third of their height underground. Digging a fence post hole before calling the local utility company could result in you hitting a pipe or underground wire, causing massive destruction, injury, or death.
Not Securing Fence Posts Correctly
Solid, stable posts must be set deeply (at least two feet into the ground and anchored with concrete or gravel) in order to securely hold up your fence’s panels and rails. Fence posts that aren’t big enough or sunk deep enough will likely lead to fence collapse. Be sure to give the posts time to set properly before hanging your fence panels or rails to prevent leaning.
Ignoring Slopes
Most yards have a slope and even if you can barely see the slope, it can seriously impact your fence’s installation and the final product. Gaps along the bottom of your fence will not only look strange but allow for small children or pets to escape from your yard enclosure.
Improper Gate Placement
Consider the natural flow fo foot traffic when deciding on gate placement. Choose the proper size and quality materials since this part of your fence will receive the most wear-and-tear. Finally, verify that the ground below the gate is level and the gate sits high enough off the ground to allow movement.
Using Poor Quality Materials
Be sure to consider your material options and make sure to purchase your fencing materials from a quality source. Avoid reusing materials or scraps to build your fence since poor quality materials degrade faster and are more likely to become damaged from exposure to the elements.
First Fence of Georgia: Materials and Installation
From DIYers to independent contractors, First Fence of Georgia provides high-quality, affordable fencing materials for any project. We maintain a large inventory of all commonly used fence supply components and will gladly special-order any non-standard fencing material as needed. Need assistance? Our Material Sales Staff can recommend the components and fence supplies you will need for your project. Call (770) 214-4235 or email us today to place your order and we will have it ready for pick-up.
The post Don’t Make These DIY Fencing Mistakes appeared first on First Fence.
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