Building a new fence gives your home privacy and security, defines property lines, and adds an additional aesthetic element to your property. There are a variety of fencing variations to select from – each with their own pros and cons – but, on top of choosing your fence design, height, and materials, consider the following points before you install your fence.
1. Double-Check Property Lines
Before starting any fencing construction, you’ll need to confirm your property lines. Even if you’re replacing an existing fence, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Most fence owners choose to install their fence a few inches within their property line, or a few feet within it, so you need to double-check where your property ends, so you don’t accidentally build on your neighbors’ land. The easiest way to find your property lines is on your home’s blueprints, but you may also need to go to your county office to pull the survey or have a new survey done.
2. Inform Your Neighbors & HOA
Speaking of your neighbors’ property, before you start building your fence, you should give them a heads-up of the project. While the disruption should be minimal, they may be curious as to why there are people so close to their property. Of course, your neighbors may even be interested in splitting the cost with you if there is a benefit to them, so it is absolutely worth bringing it up.
Additionally, if you have a Home Owner’s Association, you will also need to build your fence within the constraints they’ve set. Fence types, height, and color can all be delegated by your HOA, so before designing, review your guidelines carefully. Finally, you may need to get the HOA’s approval, or at a minimum, inform them of your impending fence build.
3. Utility Marking
Before your fence construction team starts digging, it’s imperative you’ve marked utilities. Call 811 to ensure your gas and power lines are appropriately flagged to prevent costly damages and a disruption in services. This step can be avoided in most situations if you’re replacing a fence and using the existing pole infrastructure, but be sure to heed the advice of your fencing contractor.
4. Add Gates to Your Design
Although you’ve likely chosen your fence design and height, one element that’s often left out is a gate or multiple gates. Not only will you need a gate for an outdoor access point to your yard, but your gate also needs to be an appropriate size. Consider the size of your grill, lawn care essentials, and trashcans that you will need to squeeze through your gates and build them to an appropriate width. Also, ensure that your gate has the flexibility to be easily opened when your hands are full and locked when not in use.
Once you’ve completed this checklist, there is only one other step – call Sierra Fence! Not only will we help you design your fence and create it from scratch, but we will also direct you to consider details specific to your unique fencing situation. For a complimentary consultation, give us a call today!
