Installing a fence can beautify properties, provide security, deter intruders, and ensure safety for children and pets. Before installing any fencing, it’s critical that individuals know exactly where their property lines run. Failure to do so can lead to fines and an order to remove a newly installed by local governing entities.

Individuals often think they know exactly where their property lines are, but without having it surveyed, there’s no way to be absolutely sure. Subtle variances and errors can be made over time. A survey is absolutely essential for two important reasons. The first is that some jurisdictions allow a fence to be erected directly on a property line.

The second reason is that some locations have a setback rule, stating that a fence has to be established a specific distance away from the property line toward the fence owner’s property That means that individuals could lose up to 12 inches of their property usage due to a setback law. If a fence is installed on any part of a neighbor’s property, the individual erecting the fence will have to move it.

It’s just one of the reasons that the services of a professional fencing company are preferable to a DIY approach. The experts will know the prevailing rules in a particular area. They’ll also know what permits are required and be able to obtain them. Failure to obtain proper permitting can also result in individuals being ordered to remove their fence.

Another consideration are neighbors. In some areas, half of the upkeep and cost of fencing will fall upon the neighbors. It’s a responsibility and cost that many don’t want to incur. Individuals may even need their neighbors’ permission before installing a fence. Neighbors will also have the right to remove branches, bushes and growths that infringe on the fence, even if it’s a prized planting belonging to the fence owner.

Before calling in the professionals to install a fence, individuals should actually do some measuring on their own. It will help in budgeting for the project and facilitate communications with the fencing professional about what’s wanted. A fencing specialist will still make an on-site visit to view the area to determine if there are any extenuating circumstances such as thin soil, slopes, property curves, obstacles, or utility lines that must be considered.

Property Lines

It’s critical to identify exactly where the property lines are located. Without knowing where property lines are, the fence could inadvertently end up on the neighbor’s property. If that happens, it will need to be moved and a neighbor could even initiate a lawsuit if they want to be unpleasant.

Some municipalities allow fences to be erected on the property line, while others require it to be set a specific distance away from the property line. Let neighbors know about the fence, as they may be partially responsible for its upkeep, depending on local regulations.

Measuring

Measure the perimeter of the property in feet and mark each corner of the property with a stake. Individuals will need someone to help them since the tape measure will need to be taut when measuring. For individuals that decide to install the fence themselves, they’ll need to run a taut string around the perimeter to help ensure the fence line is erected in a straight line. Mark where any gates will go how wide they will be.

Professional Expertise

Fencing panels typically come in 6 or 8-foot panels so it can be helpful to divide the total perimeter footage by the size of the panel. However, there will also be posts to consider and there’s no way of knowing the space they’ll require until the type of fencing is selected. It’s just one of the ways in which the expertise and knowledge of a professional fencer is invaluable.

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.

Fencing is beneficial for a multitude of uses. It provides privacy, safety, and aids in reducing noise. There’s more to erecting a fence than simply getting it upright. There are laws and ordinances governing the installation of fencing, along with permits that may need to be obtained. Failure to comply with any existing codes or regulations could result in an order to tear down or move your newly installed fence.

Fences are great for marking boundaries, but it’s absolutely essential that you know exactly where your property line actually is. You’ll need to have the property surveyed if it hasn’t been recently. It’s just one of the reasons that the services of a professional fence installer are so beneficial. They know the laws and are able to obtain any needed permits.

A fencing professional will also know if there are any setbacks. In some locations, fences are required to be set back off the property line. That can range from 2 inches in some places to several feet in others to allow for maintenance. Fences can’t be built on an easement under any circumstances and a neighbor can’t paint or make other changes to a fence that you’ve had erected.

In other locations, you can erect a fence and half of the upkeep and cost will be attributed to your neighbor when they have what’s deemed a substantial building on their property. It also means that your neighbor can cut any tree limbs or bushes that infringe on the fence. In other areas, you may or may not need your neighbor’s permission to install the fence in the first place.

Fences serve a variety of purposes, but laws can vary widely in regard to their installation. It’s always best to have a professional perform the installation since they’re familiar with local ordinances. Before beginning any fencing project, ensure you have a recent survey to establish property boundaries. Property lines aren’t always straight and physical features can create installation difficulties that only professionals are able to accommodate properly.