Whether your goal is to keep your pets safe, prevent petty thefts or add curb appeal, a fence can be an excellent investment. However, the cost of the project is an important factor to consider. There are ways to save money on a fence installation by planning for the project in advance.
Getting your budget in place is the first step. During this stage, you determine how much fencing you need and what materials are affordable. You may need to make a few adjustments as you go, but this will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you get the best value for your money.
The size of the yard is an obvious factor in determining the cost of your fencing, but you should also consider the design. If you want a fence that goes around your whole property, you will need to purchase more materials than if you only wanted a fence that covers part of the yard. In addition, certain designs require more maintenance than others, so you should factor these additional costs into your final plan.
It is also helpful to know that some areas have particular guidelines on fencing. For example, some HOAs have specific rules about where and how high to build a fence. You should find out if there are any rules like this in your neighborhood before you start any work. This will save you time and money down the road if you need to make changes.
Another consideration is your climate. If you live in a cold area, your fence will need to be constructed with frost-resistant materials or it will rot over time. You should find out what your climate is like before you start constructing a fence to avoid surprises down the road.
If you are able to save on material costs, it is possible that your labor costs will be lower as well. You may be able to save by building the fence yourself rather than hiring a professional fence company. However, a lot of work and expertise is needed for this type of project, so it’s not a good idea to try it on your own unless you have experience in this area.
Before the fence company comes to install your fence, you should walk the line where it will be erected and make sure there are no obstacles that would impede the process. This includes removing any existing materials and cutting back trees or plants that will be in the way of your new fence. You should also make sure that there are no utility lines or buried pipes that will be in the way of your project.
It is also important to understand that most states have laws regarding the etiquette of installing a fence. It is usually considered poor etiquette to not let your neighbors know that you will be installing a fence on the shared property line, so it’s always wise to ask them what kind of a fence they prefer before you start any work.