One of the most common problems for those desiring a fence is underestimating the cost. There are many factors to be considered and the fencing itself is just one aspect. A number of variables will determine the final cost of the project. The following are five elements that every individual should consider before erecting a fence.

Yard Size

A smaller yard will obviously cost more to fence than a large one since it will take less material. It’s a good idea for individuals to measure the area to be fenced before they talk to an installer. They should also know the purpose they want the fence to serve. It’s possible that a smaller area would work equally well for uses such as a play area or dog fence.

Material

The type of material selected for the fence will significantly impact the price. Individuals have a choice of wood and chain link to aluminum and PVC. In Florida, one of the most popular choices is SimTek® due to its environmentally-friendly profile and its ability to withstand hurricane force winds.

Soil Composition

Few people think about their soil in any terms other than their lawn. However, the type of soil in which the fencing will be installed will have a substantial impact on the cost. Sandy soil may require deeper postholes and/or concrete for stability, while loamy ground can require larger posts or footings. Clay is hard and difficult to dig in and silty soil provides stability problems when it gets wet.

Land Slopes

Hills and uneven terrain present special challenges and will require extra work by installers. They may need to bring in heavy equipment to level the ground or otherwise make it more amenable to the installation. That will also entail more labor costs.

Permits

Every municipality has permit requirements that must be met before a fence can be erected and the costs can vary widely. The installer will be able to obtain the permit and its cost will be figured into the cost of the installation.

There are more rules and regulations than ever before governing the appearance of property and that’s especially true for those that answer to an HOA. No matter where an individual lives, no one wants to look at eyesores in their yard and fencing can solve those unsightly problems with style, beauty and sophistication.

With today’s options, individuals can choose from fencing that emulates the look of high-end wood, stone and granite. Today’s manufacturing processes have created fencing able to withstand hurricane-force winds, that’s resistant to fading and saltwater, and is recyclable.

Vertical and horizontal options are available and fencing doesn’t need to encompass the entire property to be effective. Strategic placement of single fence panels is effective for hiding eyesores and they’re equally appropriate for creating enclosures. Always consult with a professional fence installer. Professionals will know the prevailing standards and be able to obtain any permits needed. Fencing is effective for concealing the following:

• Electrical boxes
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Satellite dishes
• HVAC units
• Emergency generators
• Solar panels
• Trash receptacles
• Clotheslines
• Lawn furniture
• Outbuildings
• Children’s toys
• ATVs, motorcycles, and PWCs

While hiding eyesores is an excellent reason for erecting a fence or individual panels, there’s another good reason for fencing. It serves as a barrier to prying eyes that could be too interested in the possessions a family has amassed.

A great number of items and installations are necessary for the operation of the utilities and conveniences people take for granted every day, but that doesn’t mean they’re attractive or a pleasure to view. Erecting fencing to camouflage those infrastructure elements adds curb appeal and can even act as a focal interest for vining plants.

Individuals have a multitude of selections from which to choose. Chain link is available with screens or slats that can be added, along with long-lasting aluminum, PVC and SimTek®. Fencing can be erected in horizontal or vertical arrangements to accommodate the concealment of any eyesore.

For decades, the standard in fencing has primarily consisted of vertical pickets and uprights. It’s a tried-and-true design popularized by the white picket fence model depicted in films and TV. Fencing design professionals originally introduced the horizontal fence in the 1950s and 1960s.

After a substantial run of popularity, fencing again returned to the vertical model. Today, individuals are seeking ways to express a greater sense of style in their fencing. The result is that those that want something new and trendy have reimagined horizontal fencing in multiple ways.

Aside from the unique appearance of a horizontal fence, they’re also quicker to install and they’re often less expensive since less material is needed to achieve the same effect as a vertical fence. They typically buffer more street noise than vertical fencing and a horizontal fence tricks the eye into perceiving a larger area than there actually is, which is handy for anyone trying to sell their home.

There are no hard and fast rules for today’s horizontal design. Individuals can incorporate different types of materials in their fencing. People are combining alternating colors and planks of varying widths for visual interest. No one ever said fence planks have be perfectly aligned and many are opting for planks that are staggered and uneven.

There’s also no rule that says fencing has to be constructed of the same type of wood. Fashionable homeowners across the nation are designing fencing that utilizes planks of different wood types. Pine, cedar and redwood are the most popular material combinations.

Once widely used for furniture, bamboo is quickly becoming a preferred fencing material as it weathers well in outdoor environments. An additional benefit is that bamboo is a renewable and eco-friendly resource.

If none of those options are appealing, there’s also louvred models – an entirely new direction for fencing. The louvres can be adjusted – just like louvred windows – to allow for specific levels of privacy.

There’s no “right” fence height, but it’s important that you know why you’re installing a fence. Most people install a fence for safety, security or privacy. Others want to establish a boundary between their property and their neighbor. No matter the reason for the fence, there are some mitigating circumstances that can curtail the height of the fence you want.

Anyone that’s governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA) will need to check with the organization first. HOAs have very strict rules about the height, type and materials for fencing, if it’s allowed at all. The second obstacle could be local governmental regulations that limit the height of a fence and how it must be erected. For instance, stockade fencing must be installed with the “pretty” side out.

Boundaries

Fencing for boundary lines can range from 3 to 6 feet in height. Some homeowners choose to have a 3-ft. fence in front with a 6-ft. fence for the back of the property for added privacy. In many locales, your neighbor may have to approve the fence and its height prior to installation.

Privacy

If privacy is your primary goal, you’ll need a fence of at least 6-ft. in height. That height is sufficient to prevent passing strangers and nosy neighbors from peering in. For the ultimate in privacy, fences are available in heights of 7-8 ft. However, obtaining approval for a fence that tall may prove difficult.

Unwanted Intruders

A 6-ft. fence is typically tall enough to discourage most forms of wildlife. The exception to that would be deer that are capable of jumping an 8-ft. fence. Keeping humans out of your yard is a little more difficult. A 6-ft. fence will usually discourage a casual intruder, while a motivated burglar may not be so easily deterred even by an 8-ft. fence. For those instances, spikes and similar embellishments can be added to the top.

Kids and Pets

Anyone with children or pets know how quickly they can go over or under a barrier. Never underestimate a youngster’s ability to climb and crawl. To keep young children in, a 4-ft. fence will suffice, but to prevent contact with passersby, choose a 6-ft. fence. This is also true for canines – they can jump over, crawl under, slip between pickets, and even crawl up the fence if they can get a toe-hold. Make sure a self-locking secure gate is included in the design and specially designed barriers for small dogs and puppies.

Pools and Gardens

A 4-ft. fence is typically sufficient for gardens to keep out rabbits and other wildlife and regulations usually stipulate a 4-ft. fence for pools. Other safety measures will be mandated for pool fences and height from the ground.

You may be proud of your new fence, but your neighbor may not share your enthusiasm. The fence you install may have ramifications for the neighbor(s) yards. A significant portion of the population display emotions ranging from puzzlement and indignation to outright anger over a fence. To head off potential disputes, you should observe proper fence etiquette.

Inform Your Neighbor

It’s just a common courtesy to have a friendly conversation with any neighbors that could be impacted and let them know what you want to do. Depending on local regulations, they may be financially responsible for a portion of the upkeep. If you have a homeowner’s association (HOA), never erect a fence unless you get approval in writing first.

Boundaries

Before erecting any type of fence, it’s critical that you know exactly where your property line is located. Impinging on your neighbor’s property by as little as an inch can mean you have to take down the fence and relocate it. It may be convenient to rely on the property’s plat map but to be absolutely positive of your boundaries, hire a surveyor that will place physical markers on the lines.

In or Out

Bear in mind that standard procedure is to install a fence with the finished or “pretty” side facing outward. If you want to view the same beauty of the fence on the inside as the rest of the world sees, consider a double-sided fence.

Maintenance

Few things are as distasteful to look at as a fence that’s fallen into disrepair. Fences that are sagging, leaning, have fallen prey to insects, or needs painting or staining is unpleasant and lowers home values. If you don’t have time to perform the proper maintenance, there are a variety of fencing material options that are almost completely maintenance-free and will even withstand hurricane force winds.

Fencing Contractors

The happiness and satisfaction you have in your new fence will depend largely on the experience, reliability and professionalism of your contractor. Compare installers and choose with care.

Faced with the extensive variety of colors available with modern fencing, many individuals throw up their hands in frustration – after all, it’s just fencing. However, the color of fencing is just as important as the type and style of fencing that’s chosen. When fencing is installed, it’s one of the first things that others will notice and they’ll form an opinion about the property, residents, and even the neighborhood based on its appearance.

Fencing is an extension of the home and while it needs to be complementary, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same color. It’s a way to showcase your style, but the goal is to achieve a balanced appearance, while remaining within the parameters and reasons for installing the barrier.

It’s also a good idea to consider the colors of the plantings, lawn furniture, decks and other aspects of the yard when working toward a balanced perspective. Don’t forget to consult with the homeowner’s association (HOA) if there is one. There are typically stringent guidelines concerning fencing.

Make a Statement

For homes in shades of black, brown or grey, a contrasting color that adds a touch of color can be used to create a dramatic statement. Conversely, for homes with unique exteriors that demand attention on their own, a fence in white, neutral or subtle colors will complement the landscape without detracting from the colorful statement that is the house.

Shades of blue and gray siding can easily be paired with a white fence for preference. Homes that feature a textured exterior such as brick, stucco or stone look stunning when highlighted by a bronze or natural aluminum fence. If the home has shutters or trim of a specific color, matching the fence colors to those features is an easy way to bring together all of those elements and create an accent point.

Old or New

Take the age of the home into consideration when choosing fencing. Many of the modern colors and styles may not go well with a structure built in the 1950s. There are dozens of color selections that will complement newly constructed homes and those that are relatively new. It can be helpful for individuals to take a photo of their home to their fencing specialist.

No one wants to spend time and effort maintaining their fencing after it’s installed. With the materials and new manufacturing methods available today, anyone can have a low-maintenance fence installed that will offer long-lasting service, meet a wide range of aesthetic preferences, and require a minimum amount of maintenance.

SimTek®

SimTek® fencing has become the leader in Florida for a wide variety of reasons. Its UV inhibitors mean it won’t fade due to the sun’s harsh rays. The fencing is resistant to saltwater, organic processes, and insects. Graffiti is easily removed with the use of a power washer. SimTek® never needs to be painted or stained and it won’t warp or crack. It’s become the leader in Florida fencing due to its ability to withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph.

PVC/Vinyl

PVC fencing is a type of vinyl that stands up to harsh weather conditions without rotting, chipping, splintering or peeling. It’s manufactured with UV inhibitors to prevent it from becoming brittle or yellowing from UV rays. The material also withstands high winds, doesn’t need painting or staining, and is unappealing to insects. This type of vinyl fencing has earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification. Vinyl is five times stronger than wood and it’s recyclable.

Aluminum

Today’s aluminum typically has a powder coating applied that will aid in maintaining its finish for years. Aluminum doesn’t rust, rot, or fall prey to insects. The material doesn’t need staining or painting.

Consult a Professional

It’s always best to consult with fencing professionals before deciding on a particular material. Pricing can vary widely and individuals will want to comparison shop. Some fencing types offer more variety in terms of color, styles and customization options. It’s also important for individuals to know why they want a fence, which will affect the choice of material.

Installing a fence at your new home isn’t rude and it doesn’t mean you’re antisocial. It does give you a sense of safety and security, especially if you have children, pets, or elders living in the home. A fence is effective for preventing access to the property by unwanted people and animals.

It typically takes four months for people to feel comfortable in a new house and begin to consider it home. Part of the reason for that is unfamiliarity with the neighborhood and those living around you. It’s important that you take steps to make the inside environment as welcoming as possible with familiar belongings before taking on the task of erecting a fence.

Safety

Your home is the place where you can relax and feel safe in your environment. Fencing provides safety for children and allows them to play without worrying about them wandering into the street, onto unsafe terrain, or the yards of other people. The same is true for protecting the family dog.

Security

A fence can provide peace of mind knowing loved ones, pets and valuable possessions are protected by a barrier to entry. It’s also an important security measure if you’re a senior. The elderly are often the target of scams and break-ins, even in the quietest of communities.

Gardening Options

There are many ways to garden, from raised beds to vertical options. Fencing can provide the backdrop and support to indulge an interest in vertical growing of fruits and vegetables to flowering vines.

Protection Against the Elements

Florida lies in the path of any number of tropical storms and hurricanes each year. There are fencing materials available that are highly attractive, require almost no maintenance, and can withstand hurricane-force winds. They’re able to provide a disruption in winds that can cause property damage. Fencing materials that resist heat and are non-combustible are also available to protect your new home.

Fences are multi-faceted constructs that provide safety, security, are capable of dampening road noise, and can camouflaging a variety of eyesores within the landscape. The type of fencing selected will depend on the property owner’s primary concerns, needs and requirements. The following are eight things to consider when choosing a fence.

Children

Every parent knows how curious children are and how they can stray into danger unknowingly. A fence is an excellent way to ensure they don’t wander out of the yard or near dangerous areas. It shouldn’t have any protrusions that they can use to climb or spaces underneath they can crawl under.

Pets

Animal companions are family members, too. They’re just as curious as children and can be tempted to leave their yard to explore. Fences should be erected with the size of the animal in mind and its characteristics. Some dogs are jumpers and acrobats, well able to clear a fence of 10 ft. and use any protrusions in the fence to gain a toe-hold. Others are more likely to burrow underneath and fencing will need to provide adequate preventative measures installed. 

Pools

Anyone that has a swimming pool is required to install safety fencing to prevent unauthorized access by children that meets specific guidelines. It must have no protrusions that children can use to climb over it and be close enough to the ground to prevent crawling under it. The fence will also need an automatically locking gate. Those precautions will also save pets from entering and drowning.

Property Lines

Sometimes it’s necessary to establish boundaries between neighbors or even prevent passersby from coming on the property. A fence is beneficial for minimizing disagreements with neighbors and knowing where to place outbuildings, install a pool, or locate play equipment.

Privacy

Finding privacy is getting more difficult every day. More homes are being squeezed into smaller properties and foot traffic on sidewalks is increasing. Fencing can ensure the ability to sunbathe or use a pool in peace and away from nosy neighbors.

Enhance Landscaping

A fence enhances landscaping, adds curb appeal to any property, and increases resale value. A property with a fence is more private and safer than an open yard.

Safety

The installation of a fence for safety and security has quickly become two of the top reasons for erecting a barrier around properties. It keeps people, pets and possessions safe from those that would mean harm.

Concealment

There are multiple items that are essentials for everyday life, but aren’t that pretty to view. Fencing is also an attractive way to hide and camouflage unsightly items in the landscape such as trash receptacles, utility boxes, air conditioning units, and TV or Internet dishes, along with hoses and PVC pipes.

Erecting a fence on your property is more complicated than you may anticipate. There are legal regulations that must be adhered to and permits that will be required. However, the process of installing a fence all begins with knowing the exact location of your property lines.

Installing a fence without knowing where your property lines are can result in legal action by adjacent land owners. Without that knowledge, you can easily find yourself responsible for removing and relocating your freshly erected fence. It can also affect your ability to insure your home.

Check Your Deed

The deed to your property will have a legal description of your property and its boundaries. Older deeds may not include the information and will refer you to an older document. However, older documents may reference landmarks or other features that don’t exist any longer.

Plat Map

A plat map is a document that defines property lines and includes data about structures, elevations, and bodies of water. A plat map may be included as part of your deed and if not, you can view it at the city or county assessor’s office or online in some locales.

Perform a Survey

One of the easiest ways to determine exactly where your property lines are is to have a new survey performed. It’s a very precise measurement that identifies where all existing boundaries are located. The cost of a survey will vary among companies licensed to do the task.

Stakes and Markers

When a survey of your property was made, the survey company will have left a wooden stake or metal marker to mark the boundaries. If that marker is still available, you can tell where your property lines lie. The markers may be flush with the ground or sticking up several inches above the ground.