A fence isn’t often included with a brand new home, even a modest one. The necessity for a fence in a yard may be diminished if there are no children or pets present. The safety of your children and pets is likely a top concern if you’re moving with them. The obvious solution is to put up a fence to separate us from our neighbours. Not only is there the added aesthetic value, but there are practical benefits to fencing as well.
Your home’s worth may rise when you instal a fence around it. Fifty percent of your property value can be gained by installing a solid wood, cast iron, or concrete fence. Consult your real estate agent after deciding on a fence style if you intend to increase your home’s resale value through its addition. Insurers frequently discount premiums for homes without a secure fence (along with house alarms). If you plan on installing a pool or trampoline for your children, a fence will help you save money on your homeowner’s insurance.
A solid privacy fence may protect your family, pets, and property from intruders while also lowering your insurance premiums.
A fence can help establish your property lines, especially if you live in a densely populated area with many neighbours. Unfortunately, boundary disputes between neighbours are possible, but a fence can eliminate any ambiguity and prevent future conflicts.
Put simply, fences boost the “kerb appeal” of a property. Establishing clear boundary lines and preserving the character of a neighbourhood, a robust privacy fence may seem unneighborly at first.
13 Things to Know Before You Build a Fence
Installing a fence around your property can raise its kerb appeal, make it safer, make it more private, and shield it from the elements. However, there are a few things you should know before beginning work on a fence. Our top tips for designing and building a fence around your house are listed below.
Know What You Want
Ask yourself why you want a fence before you go out and build one. If the goal is purely practical, like keeping the dog in the yard, then a chain-link fence will do. If you’re looking to block out background noise or hide your space from prying eyes, you’ll need something tall and solid.
Most likely, your wants are intricate: You care about the well-being of your dogs, but you also want to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. The first step in locating an appropriate fence is settling on a goal for the fence’s purpose. You can now make more informed decisions.
Face Your Fence the Right Way
When building a wooden privacy fence, it’s crucial to get the orientation right. It’s preferable to have the side of the fence that will be seen by the neighbour be the finished, smooth side. It’s preferable to have the railings and posts on the interior of the building rather than on the outside. This is the standard method for constructing a fence around a backyard. Your neighbours will appreciate the effort you’ve made to make your property more aesthetically pleasing.
Consider Fence Materials
No one has ever gone wrong with a traditional white picket fence, but before you rush out and get some posts and paint, consider how much of a long-term commitment you’re willing to make. Warping and rotting are natural consequences of wood’s porous nature; staining or sealing your fence on occasion may be necessary to keep it looking good. Think about utilising a low-maintenance material, such vinyl, which can provide the impression of wood without the hassle. You can also go with materials like aluminium, steel, wrought iron, bamboo, and bamboo wood.
Mix Fencing Types
If cost is a factor, consider using multiple fence types together. For example, a wooden picket fence could be erected in the front yard and linked to a chain link inclosure in the back. This composite fence has the dual benefit of reducing the length of fence that needs to be repainted and the price tag of getting it up in the first place. Alternating between fencing materials and fence designs is another option for creating visual variety in the garden.
Do Your Research
Talk to your HOA, neighbourhood organisation, or city building code officials to find out if there are any restrictions on the type, height, and material of fences you can put up. As a general rule, the side of a fence facing the street should be the one where the posts and rails are hidden.
The city ordinances and the community standards are both met here. Find out how far back a fence must be from your property line. Typically, you need between 2 and 8 inches of space between your fence and the sidewalk or property boundary. Determine if you need a building permit for the work you plan to do on your fence.
Think Green
One technique to utilise landscaping to demarcate property lines and shield your home from the elements and neighbours’ eyes is to layer plants so that some parts of the yard are hidden from view. Keep in mind that such living walls may be subject to local building standards and rules about fences in the neighbourhood. More than that, you need to make sure the planted materials won’t overrun the space later on.
Know-How Much It Costs to Build a Fence
According to HomeAdvisor’s data, the typical cost to have a wooden fence professionally installed is between $1,673 and $3,984. Wooden fences can cost anything from $17 to $45 per linear foot. On average, labour costs $10 to $30 per linear foot, while the price of lumber is in the $7 to $15 range per foot. A new fence’s cost is based mostly on its dimensions (length, height, and material), as well as the contractor’s labour rate. The cost of sealant must be included in the project budget alongside the cost of gates and fittings.
Research the Property Line
Locating where a fence will go is the first step in building one. Check with a surveyor to be sure you aren’t intruding on your neighbor’s land by installing a fence before you start digging. A surveyor creates a property survey to define the property lines and easements for a given piece of land. If you have lost your property survey, the county records office may be able to give you with a new one.
Hire Professionals
It’s not as easy as it looks to put up a fence, but with the help of the American Fence Association, you can easily find a professional installer in your region. Be sure to inspect examples of the contractor’s previous fence work before engaging them. Working with licenced businesses and individuals is in your best interest because they are more likely to be bonded and insured. Getting quotes from three to six different contractors can let you see how the companies stack up against one another.
Be a Good Neighbor
Get your neighbours’ input on your planned fence by being transparent about your plans. Unless absolutely necessary, make an attempt to avoid blocking their vision. Two or more neighbours can agree to build a party fence together, but they should wait until the property lines have been officially drawn and recorded before signing any agreements.
In general, it is considered courteous to erect a wood privacy fence such that the finished side (the more aesthetically pleasing and smooth side) faces the property of a neighbour. We call this a “good neighbour fence” because it helps maintain harmonious relationships between neighbours.
Consider Climate
The post must be set at a depth of 36 inches so that it won’t crack during a cold spell. Vinyl is preferable than wood in wetter and warmer climates because of its durability against water damage. Most fencing will not last long in subzero temperatures, although wood, bamboo, and metal will.
Create Entrances
For the sake of everyone’s safety and convenience, make sure that a fenced-in area has at least two entrances. Make sure one of these is large enough to accommodate your bulky trash cans, lawnmowers, and other outside necessities. Gates might be marked with stepping stones, pergolas, or other ornamental features. Installing a classic white picket fence at the front of your property and finishing it off with an arbour and gate will create a picture-perfect scene.
Dress It Up
To add a touch of your own flair to the fence, it’s a good idea to give the budget a little bit of wiggle room. The fence can be made unique by adding ornate posts or finials once it has been erected. Your home’s architectural style should guide your choice of fence paint colour.
Consider planting a border of flowers in front of the building to make the outside more welcoming. Put up some plant hooks on a wooden fence and fill flowerpots with annual plants for a live mural of colour. This will modernise the look of the fence.
What Is the Average Cost to Build a Fence?
If you have an inquisitive neighbour who likes to peer into your yard or a dog or youngsters who are quick on their feet and you want to keep them contained in your yard, you may be wondering how much it would cost to build or repair a fence around your yard.
Like the cost of other home improvement projects, the cost of building or repairing a fence can vary substantially depending on the overall amount of fencing you need, the materials you use, and a number of other considerations. However, adding a new fence may be well worth the expenditure because of the joy and utility it gives, even though it may not increase the value of your property as much as other home improvement projects.
The Costs of Fence Construction
According to Home Advisor’s cost calculator, the average price of installing a fence is about $2,700, with a range that goes from about $1,648 up to over $4,000. Fencing can cost anything from $13 to $50 per linear foot, assuming standard labour and material costs. The precise cost, however, is going to be contingent on a wide range of variables.
The breakdown of your total costing into its component parts is as follows. Some, like the licences, are out of your control, while others, like the materials, provide you some leeway in terms of budgeting.
The Cost of Fencing Materials
A further decision that must be made is the desired fence height. A privacy fence, which is typically at least four to six feet tall, will cost more than a shorter fence of the same material. The objective of a privacy fence is to create a barrier between your property and the outside world, and the most frequent materials utilised in its construction are wood, vinyl, and aluminium. They belong on patios, in backyards, or near pools and hot tubs.
Chain link fences are typically the most budget-friendly option. These are usually only a few feet in height, so they don’t offer much in the way of seclusion.
Saving Money on Your Fence Installation
Make sure to check with your homeowner’s insurance company before investing in a new fence to replace one that has been damaged by the elements or recent storms.
A few other things you may do to cut down on fence installation costs are:
- To keep things simple, use standard gate and lock components.
- Take on a portion or the entirety of the task by yourself.
- You can save money on your fencing project by opting for a shorter fence or cheaper materials.
- The distance between the slats, rods, or pickets should be widened.
- Your fence should be built in the winter, when demand is low for contractors.
Avoid making any blunders, as they could end up costing you a lot of money. Before contractors can give you a reliable estimate of project costs, you must advise them of the soil type you will be dealing with. Take the time before your contractor arrives to prepare your yard, including any entrance points that may be needed for equipment, and know what kinds of permissions will be needed for the work.
Get the Most Bang for Your Buck
Protecting and maintaining a fence can increase its useful life and hence its resale value. If your fence is built of wood, applying a stain that is resistant to water and other factors will keep water and other substances from seeping into the wood. In addition, any weather-related damage should be fixed as soon as it shows, and the fence surface should be re-stained annually.
To keep your wooden fence in excellent condition, use preventative measures such as termite treatments, sprays, and other treatments on a regular basis. Pressure washing your fence once a year can get rid of any harmful mould or dirt that has built up on it.
Finally, make sure you get a warranty on both the materials and the labour from the company you employ to put up the fence. This can help you prepare for the potential high expense of repairing or replacing something in the future.
Conclusion
By erecting a fence around your property, you can improve its visual attractiveness, increase security, and increase your sense of privacy. Put up a fence to demarcate your property and keep your neighbourhood looking its best. Here are 13 tips to keep in mind before building a fence: A fence may seem like a good idea, but you need to know why you want one and how to build one. Getting the orientation right is essential when constructing a wooden privacy fence.
Railings and posts are more suited for the interior of a building rather than the exterior. You may add visual interest to your landscape by alternating fencing materials and fence designs. The minimum clearance required for a fence to be built next to a sidewalk or property line is 2 inches, with a recommended minimum of 8 inches. You should check into whether or not your planned fence repairs require a building permit. Wooden fence installation by a professional might cost anywhere from $1,673 to $3,984.
When building a wood privacy fence, it’s respectful to have the completed side face a neighbor’s land. A party fence can be built with the consent of two or more neighbours, but this must be done after the property lines have been officially documented. A fence’s installation cost can range from quite low to very high, depending on the fence’s size and the number of gates you need. Average labour and material prices place the price of fencing anywhere from $13 to $50 per linear foot. The cost of a fence increases when its height increases, so expect to pay more for a privacy fence that is four to six feet in height.
It’s important to get the yard ready for the contractor before he or she arrives. Determine what kinds of authorisations will be required to complete the work. Once a year, give your fence a good pressure washing to get rid of any mould or dirt that may be accumulating. Make sure the company you hire provides a guarantee on both the supplies and the labour.
Content Summary
- The necessity for a fence in a yard may be diminished if there are no children or pets present.
- Our top tips for designing and building a fence around your house are listed below.
- The first step in locating an appropriate fence is settling on a goal for the fence’s purpose.
- Alternating between fencing materials and fence designs is another option for creating visual variety in the garden.
- Talk to your HOA, neighbourhood organisation, or city building code officials to find out if there are any restrictions on the type, height, and material of fences you can put up.
- Find out how far back a fence must be from your property line.
- Typically, you need between 2 and 8 inches of space between your fence and the sidewalk or property boundary.
- Determine if you need a building permit for the work you plan to do on your fence.
- Get your neighbours’ input on your planned fence by being transparent about your plans.
- To add a touch of your own flair to the fence, it’s a good idea to give the budget a little bit of wiggle room.
- This will modernise the look of the fence.
- Like the cost of other home improvement projects, the cost of building or repairing a fence can vary substantially depending on the overall amount of fencing you need, the materials you use, and a number of other considerations.
- You can save money on your fencing project by opting for a shorter fence or cheaper materials.
- Before contractors can give you a reliable estimate of project costs, you must advise them of the soil type you will be dealing with.
- Take the time before your contractor arrives to prepare your yard, including any entrance points that may be needed for equipment, and know what kinds of permissions will be needed for the work.
- To keep your wooden fence in excellent condition, use preventative measures such as termite treatments, sprays, and other treatments on a regular basis.
- Pressure washing your fence once a year can get rid of any harmful mould or dirt that has built up on it.
- Finally, make sure you get a warranty on both the materials and the labour from the company you employ to put up the fence.
FAQs About House fence
What type of fence is cheapest?
PVC fencing. The cheapest way to create a fence for your home is by getting one made from PVC. Such fences substitute wooden pickets and stakes to offer your protection from the outside world. PVC sleeves improve the stability of wooden posts used as a fence, reducing the cost of material and the labor used.
What are the best fence ideas for your home?
The best fence matches the homeowner’s style and its surroundings and provides solution the fencing needs.
- Modern Black Horizontal Slats. …
- Slatted Wood Fence. …
- Solid Concrete Backyard Walls. …
- Vertical Timber Fence. …
- Brick and Metal Interchange. …
- Etched Metal Fence Door. …
- Bamboo Privacy Fence. …
- Modern Gabion Wall.
Which fence is best for privacy?
To summarize, a wooden fence is undoubtedly the best option for privacy. An iron fence is the best fit for home security and durability. A chain link fence is best left for homeowners on tighter budgets without too many security or privacy concerns.
What is the easiest fence to install?
The quickest and easiest fence to install is with wood panels. The wood panels are not always the cheapest, but they save time rather than installing the rails and pickets separately.
What type of fence is most durable?
Masonry wall fencing is the most durable fence material. This includes brick, concrete, stone, block, and even stucco. It’s known for its longevity and can last over 100 years without any issues.