Things to Consider When Choosing a Fence for your House

When planning to put up a fence in your yard, you can be faced with several possibilities. If this is your first time completing this kind of project, it’s critical that you take your time learning more about the entire process involved.

It goes beyond knowing that there are various types of fences to choose from, depending on your specific needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll go over some of the factors you need to look into when choosing the right fence for your yard. This list should help you put things into perspective and even help you decide if you need a fence company, to aid in attaining your goals. 

Without further ado, these factors are: 

Purpose

Prior to installing your fence, consider the primary reason why you want to put one up. Maybe, you’re likely to get by with a basic chain-link fence if it’s for practical purposes like keeping your pets in the yard. If you want to block out noise or add to your privacy, you’ll want something tall and sturdy. 

Ideally, the fence you’re after serves more than just one purpose at a time, such as protection for your pets while also adding a decorative touch to the exterior of your home. 

While fences serve many purposes, the first step has to be figuring out what you’re looking for to choose the ideal fit for your property.

Materials

A white picket fence is a well-known classic, but before you go out and buy wood posts and whitewash, consider the fence material you’re going to use. Wood fences may require staining or sealing on occasion and can distort or deteriorate over time. Instead of wood, you might want to consider other low-maintenance materials, such as vinyl, to achieve the look of wood without exerting as much effort on upkeep. Aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and bamboo are some of the other fence options available.

Associated Costs

The current cost of installing a wooden fence ranges between $1,673 and $3,983. Given that figure, the value of a wood fence ranges between $17 and $45 per linear foot. Meanwhile, a vinyl fence costs $2,181 and $6,089, with a national average of $4,135. Lumber is valued between $7 and $15 per foot, with labor costs at $10 to $30 per foot. 

On the other hand, a professionally installed wrought iron fence costs between $2,334 and $4,769, with a national average of $3,552. When comparing the prices of different wrought iron fences, you can expect to spend between $26 and $34 per linear foot.

The length, height, and type of material used in the fence are all key factors in determining the cost of your new fence. Finally, gates, hardware, and sealant are additional expenses that you must include in the budget allocation for the project.

Fence Type

If the associated cost is an issue, consider combining several types of fences. For example, you can have wood picket fencing installed in front of the house and connected to chain link fencing at the back.  

Combination fences will not only save you installation expenses but will also lower the number of fences that may need repainting. As a bonus, using a variety of fence styles and materials adds to the allure of your property’s landscape.

Community and HOA Regulations

Inquire with homeowners or town councils, as well as municipal building code officials about restrictions that govern the appearance, height, and material of fences in your area.

City and neighborhood ordinances may require that the better-looking side (the side that doesn’t display posts and rails) be placed toward the property’s public face. Inquire about how far back on your property should you install the fence. Usually, fences must be set back 2 to 8 inches from sidewalks and property lines. 

Last but not least, find out if your fence project will require a construction or building permit.

Entrance and Exit Points 

Plan at least two paths into the fenced area for your safety and convenience. Ensure that one of these entry or exit points is large enough to accommodate sizeable outdoor equipment like lawnmowers and big garbage cans. 

Stepping stones, pergolas, and other ornamental items can be used as markers to indicate the location of gates. One good example is a traditional white picket fence with a matching arbor and gate. With this combination, you can create a striking entry or exit point to your yard.

Prevalent Weather Conditions

You should also consider the general climate where you’re located. Concrete anchors are necessary for fence posts in areas that often experience frost. A post should be secured 36 inches deep to avoid cracking during a cold spell. Vinyl is the best material in warmer and damper climates because wood is prone to water damage. If you’re located in areas where the climate is frigid, wood, bamboo, and metal are known to be the most durable choices for your fence.  

Aesthetics

Allocate an allowance in your budget to incorporate your preferred style into your fence project. After the installation, personalize the fence by adding ornate posts or finials. Depending on the style of your house, you can paint the fence either with a classical or modern shade.

Also, you can consider planting a row of flowers in front to create a welcoming façade with a homey feel.  Attach plant hanger hooks to your wooden fence for a contemporary look and insert pots filled with annuals to form a wall of bright and lively colors. 

Your Neighbors

In the early stages of your project, be upfront and honest with your neighbors about your fencing plans. One of the most fundamental rules when building a fence beside your neighbor’s property is to try not to obstruct their views senselessly. 

As an option, you can build a party fence and share it with your neighbors. However, such agreements should be put into writing and signed after you determine the property boundaries with the help of experts. Installing a good neighbor fence or a wood privacy fence with the finished side facing your neighbor’s property is also considered a common courtesy.

Seek the help of professionals

Finally, you must consider enlisting professionals for assistance. Fence installation is more challenging than it appears. That’s why finding a local fence company you can trust is essential. If you decide to hire professionals to help with your project, ask to view examples of fences they’ve already installed.  

Look for duly licensed companies and individuals to ensure that they’re bonded and insured. Lastly, you can also get three to six quotations from fence companies to get a comprehensive idea of how they compare, at least in terms of pricing.  

Key Takeaway

A fence is an essential component of any home. Aside from increasing the value of your property, it also provides security and privacy. 

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best fencing for your property, including maintenance, material, prevalent weather conditions in your area, and aesthetics. 

Staying on top of these key elements will help you discover the most suitable fencing for your home and property that best suits your needs. 

About The Author: Sherwin is a resident blogger at USFence and has two years of experience writing in landscaping, home maintenance, and construction niches. His passion lies in helping buyers make informed product decisions. When he’s not creating new content and resources, he enjoys traveling, trying new recipes, and being better at golf.  

Photo by Nazrin B-va on Unsplash