Building the Right Fence for Your Property

Making a home your own is one of the best parts of buying a house. Shaping your surroundings so they speak to you, by painting, planting, reconstruction, or redecorating are all sure ways to customize. One thing that is a need for some families with children and pets, is a fence. Whether you live in a subdivision, or a rural area with a field behind your property, a fence can provide a sense of security, safety and privacy.

Do You Need A Permit?
Where you live, where on your property you will be erecting the fence, and how tall the fence will be, are the three main factors which determine whether you need to get a permit.

You can ask your town's building inspector or inquire at your local city hall to find out if you will need to obtain a building permit prior to the fence installation. Before making phone calls, check your municipality website to see if the information is readily available online. When you meet with the building inspector to discuss the location and height of your fence, a fee may be required at the time that you submit your application, or when your plan is approved. Additionally, some towns might ask you to sketch out the plans for your proposed fence, as well as photos and written consent from your neighbour(s).

Have a surveyor come out to determine where your property boundary lies, unless you already know about the location in question. Some municipalities only require that you have your property corner markers located. If you aren't interested in these suggestions, just make sure the fence lies well within the confines of your own property, rather than near your property border. Before you begin digging, locate underground gas, water, and power lines.

The Best Fencing Material For Your Yard

Cedar
While cedar is extremely durable, it will require some maintenance over the years. Often times, cedar fencing will need to have a few planks replaced and routine sealing to stay looking its best. 

Vinyl 
In order to achieve the best results with this type of fencing, it will need to be installed perfectly. If you don’t think you have the experience needed to get this type of fence installed on your own, consider hiring a professional. The last thing you want is for your new fence to be unlevel. Power washing the fence will maintain the quality of the material.

Composite
Composite wood is made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic polymers. While this fencing is usually more expensive than vinyl or cedar, it will last a lot longer than cedar and vinyl materials. 

Metal
If you have enough money in the fencing budget, you may want to consider using metal. Some homeowners love the classic look that wrought iron can provide. When installed properly and maintained, these fences can last for decades.

Chain link
This type of fencing is also a popular choice due to how easy it is to install. With a bit of hard work and the right tools, you should have no problem getting a chain link fence in place.

Climate Considerations

In cold northern climates that experience frost, concrete anchors are necessary for fence posts. The post should be secured 36 inches deep to avoid cracking in a cold snap. For warmer, damper climates, vinyl is your best material choice, as wood is susceptible to water damage. In very cold climates, wood, bamboo, and metal fences are the most durable.

Getting Ready to Build

Materials and purpose are the two main factors when considering a fence. Is it for safety, privacy, or to accentuate your landscaping? Chances are your wishes are complex: You may want to protect your pets and children, but you also want to add a decorative element to your home's exterior. Whatever its purpose, a fence can have many functions. 

If cost is an issue, mix different types of fences. Wood picket fencing could be placed at the front of the home, connecting to chain link fencing in the back. This combination fence can potentially save installation costs, but it also will reduce the amount of fence that might require repainting. Mixing fencing materials and styles also adds interest to the landscape. If privacy and/or noise reduction is your main goal, consider a line of shrubs to create a 'green wall.' It can keep your yard looking open, while still serving its purpose. 

A fence can create new opportunities for you and your family in your home. Your REALTOR® can help you find knowledgeable professionals to help advise and install the fence to fit your needs.