10 Things to Know Before Building a Fence for Your Home

With so much time spent indoors lately, homeowners across the nation are realizing the value of investing in exterior home improvement projects. A fence is often one of the most important features of an accommodating outdoor area, as it provides privacy for homeowners and neighbors alike. If you're interested in installing or replacing a fence around your property, we encourage you to do a little research before tacking this home improvement project. Here are ten things you should know before building a fence for your home.

1. Know Your Official Property Lines
   All homeowners should know the exact limits of their property before completing any type of exterior home improvement project that may infringe on a neighbor's or government's property. Research your property lines and consider painting these limits to ensure you're staying within your property.
2. Learn Local Zoning Codes & Regulations
   You must also determine if you're legally allowed to install or replace a fence. Local codes or HOA regulations often have requirements that must be met for certain home improvement projects. This may include everything from fence appearance and color to height and length.
3. Talk to Your Neighbors
   Fences may make good neighbors in theory, but you should still be considerate and discuss your home improvement plans with your neighbor. The last thing you want to do is offend them by placing an eyesore directly in their view or obstruct another aspect of their property.
4. Compare Costs of Self Versus Professional Installation
   Many homeowners believe that they can complete a home improvement project like fence installation themselves. While it is possible, it may be more cost-effective to have a professional complete the project. Research costs for installation, materials, and long-term maintenance plans to determine which best suits your financial needs.
5. Don't Dig Without Calling 811 First
   By calling 811, a representative of your town will come to your property and mark areas where utility lines are buried. This quick assessment can prevent you from hitting a gas, cable, or electrical line buried on your property.
6. Design Before You Begin
   You should always plan out your design prior to beginning so you can identify what you want the finished product to look like. Consider color, height, door location, and other elements of the fence to ensure that your goal can be practically achieved.
7. Research Material & Maintenance Needs
   If you decided to complete this home improvement project without the help of a professional, you'll need to first create a budget. Once you have your home improvement budget, research the materials you'll need to create a strong, sturdy fence that can withstand your climate. You should choose materials that can retain their appearance and effectiveness with limited maintenance.
8. Consider Potential Alternatives
   Remember, a fence doesn't need to be a traditional wooden structure. You can create fencing with landscaping such as tall shrubs or bushes which will keep your space private and add more of a natural aesthetic to your property.
9. Space Posts Correctly
   Fence posts should be spaced exactly eight-feet apart to ensure that it maintains maximum strength. Any shorter or longer and the fence may sag or weaken from strong winds.
10. Face It in the Right Direction
    Believe it or not, many homeowners accidentally face their fences inward instead of outward. Leave the posts facing into your yard to ensure that your outward-facing sections enhance your curb appeal. If necessary, consider investing in double-sided fencing if you want the posts obscured on both sides.

A fence is a wonderful home improvement project to invest in and it may be in your best interest to enlist the help of a professional contractor. Consider these ten suggestions to determine the best way to complete your home improvement project on budget safely and provide your family with the outdoor privacy that they desire.

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