The American Society of Landscape Architects estimates that landscaping and fencing can add as much as 20% in value to your home. There are several ways a wood fence improves your home’s value.
Whether you’re hoping to add a fence for added aesthetics, security, or privacy, it will add value to your property.
So, what should you consider as you prepare to install a fence?
Read on to learn everything you should know and consider before you add a wood fence to your property.
Questions to Consider Before Installing a Fence
Before choosing a wooden fence, there are several questions to consider. Since this is an investment in your home that lasts between 10 and 15 years, you want to make the right choices.
Let’s consider the questions you should ponder as you prepare to fence your yard.
Why Do You Want a Fence?
It’s important to consider why you want a fence as you start to plan your wood fence. What’s your goal in installing a fence?
Many people will install a fence to create more privacy in their yards. Maybe you have a pet and want the pet to have a space to play and roam safely.
You may want to secure your property by fencing around the perimeter.
Sometimes people will add fencing to add architectural interest and add aesthetic value to the property.
It’s entirely possible your goal is a combination of these goals. But it does help to define why you want a fence as you start to consider your options.
What’s Your Local Climate?
You might wonder why the climate matters when selecting a fence. In fact, the climate is an important consideration with wood fencing.
You should consider how much rainfall you get. You should also consider the swings in the temperature you get in your area.
By considering the climate, you can select the suitable wood for your fence, prevent decay, and create a fence plan that will be long-lasting.
What Type of Pests Could Be an Issue?
A wood fence might also be susceptible to pests in the area. You want to be sure to take into consideration outdoor pests like mice or rabbits and also consider bugs.
Termites can also be an issue with wood.
So, you want to select a type of wood that is more likely to withstand those pests. Some woods are harder and can withstand climate and pests more effectively.
Wood for fences can also be treated, which improves its sustainability.
How Do You Plan to Get the Fence Installed?
Installing a fence correctly is much more challenging than it might seem. There’s a reason there are professional fence installers.
If you want your fence to have a long-lasting life, then you want to consider professional installation.
Like anytime you hire a professional to work for you, you want to do your research. Don’t be afraid to ask for estimates for the work.
Remember, the cheapest doesn’t mean the best. This is a time when you want to pay for quality work.
Ask to see samples of their work and for references. Don’t be afraid to check those references too. You can also get on online and read reviews from others who’ve previously worked with the company.
In addition to gaining their installation knowledge and experience, you also get their experience related to local requirements too.
When Is the Best Time to Install a Fence?
There isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question. Typically, you might assume that spring and summer is the best time for fence installation.
In fact, a professional fence installer could probably install a fence any time of the year.
You might find that during the off-season, you can even get the fence installer on the job more quickly. During those busy warm months, you might wait longer for both the materials and the installation.
It always makes sense to talk with your professional fence installer about when is the best time for installation in your area.
Consider Fence Maintenance
Like many things around your home, your fence may require some maintenance. Choosing a wood fence or even another material it’s a smart conversation to have with your fence installer.
What kind of maintenance will be needed?
If your fence is made from treated wood, does that lower the maintenance needs?
If you’re considering staining or painting your fence, you might also ask how that will impact the maintenance needs of your fence.
It’s smart to know what to expect for maintenance. It’s also smart to make sure you’re prepared and follow through on the maintenance because it will extend the life of your fence.
Consider Fence Height
One important consideration for your fence is the actual height of the fence.
The first consideration with fence height might be what’s allowed in your area. Many towns and even neighborhoods have ordinances about fence heights. You want to be sure you’re following the laws and rules of your area.
Then you want to revisit your goals for getting a fence. For example, if you hoped to get a fence for your dog, you’ll want to think about what height you need to keep the dog from escaping.
Other fence heights might be about aesthetics. For example, if you’re fencing a front yard, you might opt for a lower height fence than you would in the backyard.
How Will Your Neighbors Feel About a Fence?
Your goals might be to separate yourself from your neighbors by building a fence. Yet, it’s always a good idea to attempt to be a good neighbor when considering a fence.
You won’t do much to foster a friendly relationship with your neighbors by avoiding discussing the fence plan with them.
It’s good to remember, they will also have a view of the fence. In some cases, your neighbor may also want a fence, and perhaps you can consider sharing costs for the mutual property lines.
What Is Your Budget for the Fence?
Obviously, the size of your property and how much of it will impact the cost of installation. Other factors will include the type of wood you use for your fence and the height of the fence.
It’s good to remember as you consider this investment how much it can add to your property value and the length of time a well-installed fence can last.
What Do You Need to Know Before a Fence Can Get Installed?
Once you work the questions you need answers to, then there are some other considerations before you jump into investing into a fence.
Let’s take a closer look at the other considerations for wood fence installation.
Fence Style
Now is the time to consider the look you want to achieve with your wood fence. You should consider the design style of your home and property.
Of course, style will be impacted by both the materials and the height of the fence.
Fence style is about the aesthetic you hope to achieve, so take your time to think this through.
Best Type of Wood
Now that you’ve considered the climate, pests, and they type of fence, it’s time to think through what type of wood material will work best for your fence installation.
There are many different wood options to consider. You’ll also want to ask if the wood is treated to make it last longer and if that’s the best choice for your conditions.
Your fence installation company can help guide you with these decisions.
Do Your Homework
You have taken the time to think through what you hope to get from your new fencing. It’s important to do your homework related to fence requirements.
Your local municipality or even neighborhood might have fence guidelines. This might relate to the type of materials you use and the height of the fence.
You don’t want to make a mistake and install the fence only to find out it has to come down because you’ve not followed a local ordinance.
Get Estimates
Again, now that you’ve worked through some of the questions about your fence, you’re probably ready to get estimates from fencing professionals.
It makes sense to seek out multiple estimates. Make sure when comparing estimates that they are quoting the same thing.
Cost will be impacted by the type of wood, the height of the fence, and how much fencing you need.
Know Your Property Lines
It’s important to know your property lines and not let this be the thing you guess at. You want to know your exact property lines so your fence doesn’t get installed on your neighbor’s property.
You may have gotten a property survey when you bought your home. If you didn’t get one, you need to either hire a surveyor to verify the exact property lines or seek out the information from your local record’s office.
Get Permits
Before you or your fencing company begins installation, you need to seek out the appropriate permits.
Most municipalities will require a building permit for fence installation. If you select a local fencing company for installation, you should expect them to be well-versed in the requirements before installation.
When you get your permits, you should be prepared to show your fencing plan. It’s likely your town, or even HOA will want to be sure you’re abiding by the current fence guidelines.
Get Utilities Marked Before You Dig
One necessity before any fence installation is started is to call and get utilities marked.
You don’t want your fence installer to begin digging and hit some type of utility line. This can be, not only disruptive but also expensive.
This is something a professional fence installer should be doing automatically. It protects you and them from liability.
It can also prevent potential risks or injuries.
Consider Fence Entrances
One important consideration that hasn’t been mentioned is to consider the entrances into the fenced area of your yard.
You probably want multiple entrances into your fenced yard. You’ll want to consider what type of gate you want to add and what level of security the gate includes.
Fence Extras
Like any home project, there’s the base model, and then there’s the dressed-up version.
Your fence can come with some extras you might want to consider. This might include special trims or finials added to the fence posts.
You might also want to have some wiring done so you can include lighting on some of your fence posts.
Remember, these extras will quickly add to your budget.
Consider Hiring a Professional for Your Wooden Fence Installation
Now that you’ve worked through all the details to consider for your fence installation, it might be time to consider a fence contractor.
This is probably not a project best done as a DIY.
To get your installation done correctly, following all of the rules and regulations, you want to enlist the help of a professional fence installer.
Create the Best Plan for Your Yard’s Wood Fence
Not only will a wooden fence add value to your property, but it will also add to your privacy and security. The wood fence can add a nice design aesthetic to your property too.
To get more information on wood fence installation and to look at material options for your fence, contact us today.