Building a privacy fence is a great way to make the most out of your outdoor living space. Though privacy fences are common across the United States, many homeowners aren’t quite aware of all the work that it takes to have a privacy fence installed properly. The experts at Fence Builders Inc. want consumers to know that there are certain questions that need to be answered before you can begin the process of having your new privacy fence installed.
What Are the Local Rules?
The first question that must be asked before you start with any kind of fence installation is what your neighborhood will allow. Not only might there be certain municipal restrictions about heights and material, but there might also be some Homeowner’s Association rules that determine exactly what you can have in terms of fencing. It’s always a good idea to check with someone in your HOA to figure out exactly what’s allowed in the neighborhood before you start installing anything and have it in writing.
Note that while there might be specific rule about fencing in your area, there are certain situations that can allow you to get a variance. You will definitely want to have this paperwork in place before you talk to a fence contractor.
What Do Your Property Lines Look Like?
Your next step should be to take a look at your property line. Where are you going to be able to install your fence? Will you be able to install it right up to your property line, or are there rules about leaving some space between your property and the neighbor’s property? Are you going to have to worry about any utility lines running under your property and if so, how will that impact installation?
These may all seem like basic questions but they are all questions that your fence company is going to want answered before they start work. Get a good idea of what your actual property lines look like before you start work so that you won’t run into any major problems after the fence installation is done.
What Material Will You Use?
One of the most important things that you’re going to look at when it comes to residential fencing is going to be the material that is used in the construction of your fence. Not only is this going to have a huge impact on how your privacy fence looks, but it is going to make a huge difference in the types of maintenance that you will need to perform and the overall lifespan of your fence. Note that you do need to make sure that the materials align with municipal and HOA rules before installation, but most areas will allow you at least some choices.
So, what are the major material choices for privacy fences?
If you’re looking for a classic look, you’ll probably be steered towards cedar. Cedar wood is not only incredibly resilient for a natural wood, but it has sound-dampening qualities that are otherwise hard to beat. Cedar tends to cost more than other types of wood and definitely requires more maintenance, but it’s by far one of the most attractive-looking woods.
If you’re looking to get a wooden fence but you don’t want to deal with the cost or maintenance of cedar, you might want to consider pressure-treated wood. This type of wood requires a lot less upkeep but looks quite similar, giving you the chance to get the look you want at a price that’s much easier to afford.
Many HOAs are now moving towards vinyl as their material of choice, and for good reason. Not only is vinyl relatively inexpensive, but it doesn’t require much upkeep. Vinyl is a good choice for those homeowners who like the classic white fence look but who don’t want to worry about treating their fences, and it’s an especially popular choice among those who want the benefits of a privacy fence without the typical wood look.
Who Will Do the Installation?
Once you figure out what kind of fence you want and what you get reasonably have installed around your yard, you’ll need to start thinking about who is going to install your fence. A good privacy fence really does need professional installation, as this ensures not only a more efficient fence installation process but it avoids some of the more common mistakes made by amateurs when trying to install a privacy fence for the first time.
If you are going to have a privacy fence installed, you need to work with a fence company that you can trust. While any fence contractor can throw up a fence and call it a day, a fence company that stands behind its product will ensure that your fence is installed professionally. If you are ready to look into residential fencing and you want to ensure that both the product and installation are top of the line, we encourage you to contact Fence Builders Inc. to get the professional help you deserve.