As the old saying goes, “Good fences make for good neighbors”, however, building those good fences requires skill, knowledge and experience. Many ambitious do-it-yourselfers have discovered this the hard way. If you are thinking about building your own fences, be aware of these five common fence installation mistakes:
Not Knowing Property Lines
One of the costliest (and most embarrassing) mistakes a homeowner can make when installing their own fences is failing to correctly identify their property lines. Build a fence on your neighbors’ property or encroach on public land and you will be facing a hefty bill for relocating that fence along with the possibility of fines and costly legal battles.
Improper Anchor Points
Unless the correct material is used at the right depth in the posthole, the anchor posts will be unstable and fall down or be heaved out of the ground during sub-zero temperatures.
Miscalculating Angles
Many yards include a slope, meaning that fence panels must be adjusted to compensate for the incline to ensure the fence is neat, uniform and functional. Adapting fencing for inclines requires specialized surveying tools and advanced carpentry skills, which many homeowners do not have.
Using The Wrong Materials
Since homeowners who build their own fences often do so during the warm summer months, it can be easy to forget that fences are exposed to the elements year-round. Unless the correct fencing materials and fasteners are selected, harsh weather can quickly ruin a new fence.
The Fence Isn’t Functional
Sometimes home-built fences simply don’t work – the gates do not latch, the posts are awkwardly spaced and the gaps are large enough that kids and pets can easily escape. Homeowners are often drawn to fence styles that are attractive yet difficult to build.
As you can see, quality fence installation requires extensive skills, knowledge and experience, otherwise you might end up spending a great deal more time and money than you bargained on. By hiring a professional fence installation company, you can rest assured that the fence will be installed on your property using the right materials for your climate.
Key Takeaways
-Always double-check the location of property lines before beginning any work – moving a completed fence is expensive!
-Confirm that the correct anchoring and fencing materials are used and the posts are deep enough to prevent frost heaving and shifting of the fence.
-Call your local utility companies before you dig – striking underground gas, water or power lines could be costly and dangerous.
-Unless you have advanced carpentry and surveying skills along with a complete set of tools and a great deal of free time, fence installation is best left to the professionals
