It might look like a simple project but building a fence on your property is a project which requires a lot of thought and planning.
Whether you’re planning to build it yourself or hire professionals to complete the project for you, there are a few things that you should consider before you get started.
What will it be used for?
The purpose of your fence will influence which material you use and how sturdy it needs to be. When building your fence, it’s a good idea to think about all of the uses that you might have for it, both now and in the future, so that you can be sure that you are covering everything. Uses for a fence might be:
- Privacy. If you live in a residential neighborhood, the chances are that your garden backs onto that of a neighbor. Fences are a great way to maintain your privacy when you’re enjoying your garden, so it’s good to bear this in mind when deciding on heights and material.
- Security. The higher and more solid your fence is, the more difficult it will be for would-be intruders to get into your garden.
- Pets. If you have or are thinking about getting a pet, think about building a high enough fence to stop them from climbing over and out, and set deeply enough so that they can’t dig under and out.
Curbside appeal
Although security and safety are important considerations for fencing, you don’t want to build something that makes your home look like a prison yard!
This won’t be nice for you to look at, and it may put potential buyers off if you ever come to sell your home.
Think about growing plants near your fencing to make it look less severe, and use paints, stains, and materials to ensure that your fence is part of an aesthetic rather than being all about function.
Choosing the material
The material you use to build your fence will impact the cost, but it can be worth spending a little more to get a fence that will cost you less time and money in the future.
Wooden fences are cheaper, but they will also require staining periodically. Plus, wood is prone to weaken and rot after it’s been exposed to bad weather, so a wooden fence will generally need to be replaced more often than other materials.
Bufftech vinyl fence is a good choice because it’s highly durable, and it comes in a range of colors and finishes, so it’s easy to create the look that you want.
Research local building codes
Before you start building your fence, check the building codes for your area, as there may be guidelines in place that tell you which materials can be used and how high fences are allowed to be.
It’s also a good idea to check exactly where your property line is and have a conversation with your neighbor about the work that you plan to do so that they are kept in the loop and aren’t suddenly surprised!