There is an old adage that tells us that "good fences
make good neighbors." The addition of a fence to your existing property
is a major step, and there are quite a few things that must be decided
and tended to before you even begin. However, don't let this discourage
you. There are also several good reasons why the building of a fence is
an ideal DIY project, and not beyond the abilities of the normal
homeowner.
There are a lot of reasons one might have to build the fence, and these
considerations control the decision as to what type of fence to build
and the materials that will be used in its construction. Privacy is a
prime consideration, and usually leads to a desire for a high and
forbidding type of material selection. It is important to control this a
bit. You do not want to spoil any possible views by making the fence too
high.
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It is also true that thieves are not very fond of fences and the
presence of a fence can protect you from unwanted access to your
property, but when a fence is too high it provides a sanctuary for them.
Once they are inside the fence, they are shielded from view.
When the major purpose for the fence is to provide a pen for a pet, and
privacy is not a major concern, this would suggest a smaller and more
open type of fencing.
Chain link would get the nod here. It might also be possible that the
fence has a limited purpose beyond the closing in of the entire
property. A fence around a garden is an example of this. |
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When this is the case, a good choice might be vinyl fencing. This is a
newer and very versatile fencing material.
Once the decision is made as to the type of fence, and the material is
selected, it is a good idea to take a good look at the code requirements
for the area where you reside. Codes vary widely from locale to locale,
and you need to make sure you have this area covered before you begin.
It is also a good idea to have a survey of the property done prior to
getting started. Nothing ruins a day more than finding out your new
vinyl fence is two feet onto your neighbor's property.
When the preliminary matters are all tended to, it is time to begin the
actual construction process. It is pretty much accepted that you are
going to have to dig some holes. In fact, the digging of the holes, and
the placing of poles constitutes the major labor output of this project.
A good post hole digger, an item that can be easily rented, is a
necessity here. The placement and distance between poles is going to
depend on the type of fence and the building material selected. When the
fence is going to be wood, and you are planning on doing the carpentry
yourself, you have a little more leeway in the hole placements. The use
of chain link, or the very popular and versatile vinyl fencing material,
or the use of precut and prepared lumber dictates the placement, and you
should be sure to follow the recommendations of the supplier.
Once the holes are dug, and the poles firmly planted, it is a simple
matter of attaching the rails, nailing together the posts, or installing
the chain link. Then you can sit back and enjoy your privacy, and
perhaps your security, and certainly your new and improved relations
with your neighbors.
Natalie Aranda writes on home and garden. When the major purpose for the
fence is to provide a pen for a pet, and privacy is not a major concern,
this would suggest a smaller and more open type of fencing. Chain link
would get the nod here. It might also be possible that the fence has a
limited purpose beyond the closing in of the entire property. A fence
around a garden is an example of this. When this is the case, a good
choice might be vinyl fencing. This is a newer and very versatile
fencing material. It is also a good idea to have a survey of the
property done prior to getting started. Nothing ruins a day more than
finding out your new
vinyl
fences are two feet onto your neighbor's property.
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