What You Need To Know Before Installing A New Fence

Many homeowners think that putting up a fence is as simple as getting the supplies and beginning the installation of their new fence. However, there is much more involved than that and what you don’t know could get you into trouble. Not to mention the money it will cost you if you don’t get it right the first time. Below are a few things you should know before you begin your fencing project.

1. The first thing you will need to do is to check your city’s code enforcement laws regarding fencing. You will need to know if they allow fencing, and if they do you will need to know if there are any height restrictions. Then you will more than likely need a permit.

2. You need to know your property line. This doesn’t mean you should guess. You should have your property line professionally marked according to your legal plat map and legal description of your property line. Your legal plat map can also be obtained from your tax assessor’s office. You shouldn’t skip this step; otherwise, you could find yourself having to remove your newly installed fence due to encroachment on to your neighbor’s property.

3. You are legally required to have the utility lines on your property marked before you dig. If you don’t, and you hit a utility line, you could be fined and will more than likely be responsible for paying the repair costs and any damages.

4. You will need to know ahead of time what quantity of materials you are going to need. That means you will need to know the height of your fence and how many poles it will take to complete your fence. When buying fence poles, you will need to remember that the poles will be buried approximately 18″ to 24″ in the ground so plan accordingly.

5. Determine how many gates you will need. Keep in mind that the taller the gate is, the more hinges it will need in order to hold it up and to keep it functioning properly for years to come. A standard gate uses two hinges; however, if your gate is over eight feet tall, you should use three to four hinges on each gate.

6. There are several different types of wood from which you can choose. Pine, spruce and cedar are the most popular, with pine being the least expensive and cedar being the most expensive. However, the cedar, even though it is the most expensive, will last the longest.

We hope you have found this information helpful. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, talk with your realtor. Let him know that you are considering a move. He would be more than happy to supply you with a list of available homes in your area, as well as, a competitive market analysis of your neighborhood.