Designing Fences for your Land

A fence is an extension of your home.  It can improve your home’s curb appeal by adding character to your yard, provide you with security, and increase your privacy.  Fence installation is harder than it looks; hire a professional builder to help you with ideas and the installation of your own fence.  Here are some guides regarding fences.

• Check your local building codes by contacting your city’s zoning office to learn about easements, height restrictions, setbacks, or any other regulations that you must follow.  Find out if your fence project will require a building permit.

• Talk with your neighbors on all sides before beginning to build your fence.  Be open and upfront with your neighbors about your fencing plans.  A party fence can be built and shared by two or more neighbors.  The agreement should be made in writing and only after the proper boundaries have been confirmed by a land surveyor.  

• Landscaping can be used to protect your home from the weather and views and to mark property lines.  Local building codes and neighborhood rules may apply to living walls.   

• Know your own reason for installing the fence will make selecting the styles and materials much easier and your project result will likely be more satisfactory.  If you want to block noise or add privacy, you will need a tall and solid fence.  If you want to add a rustic feel to your English Cottage garden, you may want weaved twig fences to dot your landscape.

• Choose a fence or mix different types of fences that will compliment your home’s architectural style.  Wood picket fencing could be placed at the front of the home connecting to the chain link fencing in the back.  This combination fence could save on installation costs.   

• For your safety and convenience, plan at least two entrances into your fenced area.  Make sure one of the two entries is large enough for bulky outdoor items such as a lawn mower, large garbage cans, and wheel barrow.  Install pergolas and stepping stones to indicate the locations of the gates. 

• Consider maintenance factors of your fence.  In climates that experience frost, concrete anchors are necessary for fence posts.  Posts should be secured 36 inches deep to avoid cracking in a cold snap.  For damper climates, vinyl or PVC is better material choices over wood which is susceptible to water damage.  To allow a wood fence’s natural beauty to show through, apply a sheer stain or water sealant to protect the wood from the weather.  Otherwise use a 100 percent acrylic latex exterior paint and you shouldn’t have to repaint for 5 or more years. 

• Customize the look of your fence with decorative posts or finials.  Select a material to match from the home’s exterior such as stone, wood, or painted trim.  Consider an interesting architectural detail such as a porch railing, pillars, or finals and use it in the fence to get the coordinated look.

A fence isn’t just a fence; it can function in many ways.  It enhances the look of your home, marks your property lines, contains your pets or kids, makes your yard safer and ensures your privacy from your good neighbors; that makes good fences.