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Building A new Fence: Things To Consider
Building a new fence is a great way to add curb appeal and value to your home. With so many additional benefits: increased privacy and security, safety for children and pets, protection from the elements; its easy to see why fences are the newest sensation for homeowners.
Lacey Handyman is here to help walk you through the process to ensure you get everything you are looking for in your fence: affordability, aesthetic, access, and more!
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO START THE PROCESS FOR PLANNING MY NEW FENCE?
First and foremost, be sure you know exactly where your property lines are. You can check your local county records office or hire a land surveyor. After doing this, have a talk with your neighbors. Keeping positive relations with neighbors is important, and when building a fence, even more so. This can even lead to cost sharing!
Once you have determined your property line and discussed your fencing with your neighbors, be sure to check with your homeowners or neighborhood associations as well as city or municipal codes that affect not just material, look and height of your fence but also which side faces out and how set into your property the fence needs to be to allow for sidewalks, etc. This is where you will find out if your fence requires a building permit as well!
CAN I BUILD MY OWN FENCE?
DIY for homeowners is all the rage during the current pandemic. However, fence installation is a lot harder than it looks. Here in the Pacific Northwest, there are a lot of considerations to be made. The extremely rocky soil that makes digging proper fence posts difficult, the high percentage of annual rainfall that calls for additional stability for the fence posts, and many other aspects of the build. Beyond knowing the materials and styles best suited for your needs, professionals like us here at Lacey Handyman have the experience and proper tools to ensure your new fence lasts for years to come.
HOW DO I BUDGET FOR MY NEW FENCE?
Budgeting for your fence requires a lot of thought and planning. While all fencing is multi functional you want to consider what your desired primary function, in conjunction with the required building codes. Materials for fencing go beyond just the wood; hardware, gateways, and paint/stain also need to be included.
You want to plan for at least two entry paths. One of the entries should be large enough to accommodate large, bulky items or if you have a large yard, allowing for vehicle entry. This will prevent any issues if you decide to make some changes to your yard throughout the years. To improve curb appeal and make it easy to recognize your entry gate, consider adding a matching arbor over the main gate.
Be sure to pad your budget for decorating and landscaping the fenced area after it is complete. This is beyond painting or staining. You will most likely want to plant at the base of your fence, or include fountains in corners, or a bench where you can sit and enjoy your newfound privacy. Another great addition is hardware to hang flower baskets along your new fence. This is great way to add a splash of color that can be rearranged or adjusted for season and mood.
For help with planning, contact Lacey Handyman! Our expert staff have the experience to ensure you get an affordable, beautiful, and effective fence.
I ALREADY HAVE A FENCE, SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE?
Knowing when to repair vs. replace a fence is an important decision. Repairing a fence that needs to be replaced can buy you some time, but the result will still be the same. On the opposite end of that, replacing a fence that can be replaced is throwing away your hard-earned money!
Luckily, the experts here at Lacey Handyman put our clients needs over a quick dollar. We are happy to review your current fence to help you determine your needs. There is no too small or too big!
WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED FOR MY WOODEN FENCE?
The American Society of Landscape Architects estimates a property value increase of up to 20% for a properly maintained fence. In order to get your full return on your investment for your fence you’ll want the professionals here at Lacey Handyman to pressure wash your fence at least once per year to keep it clean from mold and mildew, and every few years you’ll want us to come stain and seal the wood to prevent warping of the boards which aids in structural integrity and keeps it’s curb appeal.
WHAT SIGNS OF DAMAGE SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN MY EXISTING FENCE?
The easiest signs of a need for a professional like Lacey Handyman to come assist with your fence repair are cracked, damaged, or missing boards. If the damage is a small area or scattered, a professional can repair the individual boards. As time passes and repair costs increase, our experts can help you assess if it is more cost effective to simply replace entire sections or the fence as a whole.
If you find any posts that are warped, leaning or bent, call Lacey Handyman as soon as possible. Your fence posts are essential to the structure of your fence. When your posts are damaged a strong storm can cause the entire section, or if the damage is extensive enough, the entire fence, to come down. Have no fear though! Early detection by professionals can allow for replacement or resetting of individual posts as opposed to replacing your entire fence!
WHAT ARE SOME LESS OBVIOUS SIGNS OF NEEDING PROFESSIONAL FENCE REPAIR?
When your fence was first built, there was an obvious gap between the bottom and the ground. If this gap is uneven or the fence is touching the ground in some areas, this can be a sign the fence is losing its stability and a professional should be contacted to inspect and offer options for repair.
Should I Repair or Replace my Fence?
If you are questioning your fence, don’t hesitate to contact Lacey Handyman. Our experienced, friendly, professional staff will come and inspect your fence and provide and myriad of options to fit your budget and needs!