Fences provide homeowners and business owners alike with an increased sense of privacy, safety, and security. To get to this point, however, there is a variety of preparation involved with creating an ideal fence.
Not every fence is the same. Fences can be designed with different materials and aesthetic goals, and they can also have different heights, strengths, and locations.
Do you know exactly what kind of fence you want to construct, or do you want a bit of guidance to help you through the process?
This blog post will help guide you through the steps of planning the perfect fence design for your unique property, restrictions, and goals. After carefully considering each of the following categories, you be will ready to order the fence materials and get started!
Take Measurements
To begin your fencing project, the first thing you should do is take some measurements of the property. How long should the fence be to properly outline the area? How tall do you want the fence to be? Keep in mind both the layout and dimensions of the space. Later, these measurements will provide a helpful foundation on which you can base the overall fence design project.
Define Goals and Purposes
Why are you getting a fence? What purposes do you want your fence to serve? Consider these questions before you make any major decisions about the materials or design of your fence. Some fences are more helpful for security, while others provide just a light barrier and offer a more aesthetically appealing image.
Functional fence designs can serve the purpose of keeping kids and dogs on the property while not allowing intruders into your space. Or, fences can enclose a specific area, such as a swimming pool or playground. These fences can also increase privacy, giving everyone involved a safe haven.
Aesthetic fence designs, on the other hand, can make the garden, yard, or park look better overall. Your fence could be elegant or rustic, harsh or calm, and ornamental or minimalist. It can supplement the space or become a focal point of it, while also adding substantial value to the property.
Pick a Location
Next, think about the location of your fence. If you plan to install the fence along a property line, then be sure to double-check official maps for where each piece of property ends. You can also hire a surveyor to give you a definite answer on where the fence can go. Whether you accidentally build on a neighbor’s property or public land, neither is an ideal situation! Additionally, it is imperative to review local rules and guidelines for how far a fence can be from a sidewalk or property line.
When evaluating the location of your fencing project, you can also determine whether the fence will need a surface mount. For example, if you plan to build the fence around a pool or other area where there is a cement patio, posts will need a surface mount, whereas sections of the fence built directly into the ground will not.
Determine Natural Conditions
Once you have determined the exact location of your fence, you should also evaluate the area’s natural conditions. Is there a lot of water in the area? Does the ground commonly freeze? If so, then you may need to prepare mitigations to mount the fencing posts differently.
The slope of the ground can also determine design aspects. Highly sloped sections of land require fences to be stepped or racked. Stepping is the process of installing pre-assembled fencing panels parallel to one another so that the fence becomes sloped like the land itself. Racked fences, on the other hand, install each picket or board into the ground individually, therefore following the land’s slope more directly.
Research Local Codes
Even if a fence design would satisfy your own needs, you should also make sure that it will have a positive impact on the community as a whole. Fences are major structures and can sometimes become complex building projects, therefore local zoning laws may provide restrictions on the fence’s height, materials, and specific location. Some cities and counties also require permits or board approvals for the project before work can begin. If your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, then this institution could also have rules related to fence design.
Before you plan to begin the fence’s construction and start digging, call 811, the national call-before-you-dig phone number, to ensure you do not dig into an underground utility line. This keeps both you and your neighbors safe and secure.
Talk to the Neighbors
Aside from written regulations for projects in the community, you may also want to reach out to any neighbors. While a fence is sure to affect you and your family, it will also impact any neighbors that you have. If you plan to install the fence on the property line, be sure to double-check the official lines and not accidentally encroach on someone else’s space.
Additionally, from a visual standpoint, a fence could affect the view from their property as well as yours. If your neighbors value sunlight or the visibility of certain natural structures such as mountains or trees in the area, then you may want to take this into account when planning the fence design. You are sure to find a way to design your fence so that it meets your expectations, while also not disrupting the neighbors too much.
Moving Forward
Once you have finished your fence design plan, be sure to invest in high-quality materials that will keep your fence functional and looking great now and in years to come. Fencing Direct offers customers materials that they can trust will stay both efficient and aesthetic. You can also choose to add accessories such as gates and locks to your fence design.
Are you ready to get started with the construction of your fence? Make a solid design plan, give yourself plenty of time for the project, and order quality materials. Then, you’ll be good to go!
If you need more guidance on how to plan an ideal fence design or want to request a free quote for fencing materials, feel free to reach out to Fencing Direct today.
