Don’t Make These DIY Fencing Mistakes

Adding a fence to your home can provide safety and privacy while also improving your home’s value. Unfortunately, installing a fence yourself often results in several common mistakes. In addition to choosing to install a fence that suits your home’s needs and your skill level, you’ll want to avoid these pitfalls.

Being Unaware of Legal Restrictions: Property Boundaries and Zoning Laws

There are legal factors and possible ordinances (regarding fence types, styles, sizes, colors, and heights) to consider before adding a fence to your property. Be sure to to have your fence approved by your local zoning office or homeowner’s association and verify your exact property lines before any building begins by having an assessment performed by a licensed surveyor. Building an unapproved or improperly placed fence can lead to you having to move the fence and/or face hefty fines and legal fees.

Incorrect Measurements

Measure your project areas (size and height) multiple times in order to ensure you have the correct amount of materials. Take into account the post holes and any custom cuts you may need to make.

Forgetting to Call the Utility Company

Always call before you dig! Most fence posts require having one-third of their height underground. Digging a fence post hole before calling the local utility company could result in you hitting a pipe or underground wire, causing massive destruction, injury, or death.

Not Securing Fence Posts Correctly

Solid, stable posts must be set deeply (at least two feet into the ground and anchored with concrete or gravel) in order to securely hold up your fence’s panels and rails. Fence posts that aren’t big enough or sunk deep enough will likely lead to fence collapse. Be sure to give the posts time to set properly before hanging your fence panels or rails to prevent leaning.

Ignoring Slopes

Most yards have a slope and even if you can barely see the slope, it can seriously impact your fence’s installation and the final product. Gaps along the bottom of your fence will not only look strange but allow for small children or pets to escape from your yard enclosure.

Improper Gate Placement

Consider the natural flow for foot traffic when deciding on gate placement. Choose the proper size and quality materials since this part of your fence will receive the most wear-and-tear. Finally, verify that the ground below the gate is level and the gate sits high enough off the ground to allow movement.

Using Poor Quality Materials

Be sure to consider your material options and make sure to purchase your fencing materials from a quality source. Avoid reusing materials or scraps to build your fence since poor quality materials degrade faster and are more likely to become damaged from exposure to the elements.

Choose Patriot Fence Crafters

When customers come to Patriot Fence Crafters with their residential or commercial temporary fence needs, they can always be sure they’re getting the highest quality products and service backed up by an established reputation of customer satisfaction. We strive to give every customer a pleasant and successful experience at an affordable price.

Call us today to learn more about our service and schedule a free estimate! We proudly offer our complete fencing services throughout the Greater Boston area, including Georgetown, Beverly, Andover, Danvers, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Manchester and nearby in Massachusetts.