Are you thinking about getting a new fence for your home? Before installing a fence on your property, you should consider the things we’ve listed below.
City and HOA Regulations
It may be your property, but you’ll have to check first with local zoning codes and your HOA (if you’re part of one) before you plan to install a fence. While it’s not necessarily common, there may be city zoning regulations regarding fences in your area, and your HOA may also have restrictions about the fence’s height or even design.
If you install a fence without going over the regulations first, you may end up having to tear it down afterward, pay a fine, and repair your lawn. It’s much better to double-check the local ordinances first.
Property Lines
Once you have the proper city and HOA paperwork, you’ll also want to double-check the property lines. Obviously, you don’t want to install a fence on your neighbor’s property accidentally. So it’s best to refresh your memory even if you think you know where your property ends and begins.
It’s also wise to give your neighbors some prior notice about your fence plans out of courtesy. This way, they won’t feel caught off-guard when a fence suddenly appears outside their window.
Utility Lines
Installing a fence will require some digging, and while you probably won’t be digging too deep, it’s always best to be safe and have utility lines marked. 811 is the national call line where you can notify your intent to dig, and the local services will come and mark the power and gas lines on your property to avoid.
It’s simple, free, and ensures you won’t accidentally hit a power or gas line and put yourself and your neighborhood in danger.
Pro-Tip: You should call 811 at least 3 business days before digging but not earlier than 10 days prior.
Fence Materials
Once you’ve taken care of all the paperwork and safety concerns, you can start to think about what kind of fence you want. The first element to consider is the fence material.
The two most common choices are plastic and wood. When comparing plastic vs. wood fencing, plastic is much more durable and long lasting since it’s inherently waterproof and insect-proof. Plastic materials are the way to go if you want a fence that won’t require lots of maintenance or repairs.
Gates and Entrances
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the gates and entrances before installing a fence on your property. A fenced area should have at least two paths and entrances for convenience, and the gates should be big enough to allow lawn care equipment and other things to pass through easily.
Also, consider the security measures of your gates, such as self-locking mechanisms, to ensure that your new fence helps protect your property instead of offering a new way to enter for thieves.
