Building your own fence is a source of pride for years to come as you both secure your property and make your home more beautiful. There are plenty of questions that will likely come up during the process, and even the most easy-to-assemble fences sometimes need some improvisation. When you’re about to start a DIY fence project, you’ll want to know where to start. Here’s how to build a beautiful fence for your backyard in Orange County and Westchester County, NY.
Obtain a Permit
No matter the scope of your fencing project, you don’t want to be in hot water with the local government because you didn’t get a permit. The permit’s main function is to ensure that a project has been pre-inspected for safety and that it follows local guidelines. Failing to obtain a permit could result in hefty fines, as well as having to tear down your fence and start over.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Accuracy is the name of the game when it comes to DIY fence building. Knowing exactly where to put your post holes comes down to each inch and you will need to carefully measure distances between each one so that each fence section is uniform. Once you’ve built and filled post holes, these mistakes will be frustrating and costly to fix.
Know Property Lines
Even the happiest relationship between neighbors can be soured with the inaccurate placement of a fence. Installing a fence across a property line could turn into a costly mess to relocate the fence. There might even be local government involvement and litigation. To prevent this issue, check the property plan at your local assessor office, stake the property line, and set the fence back. And consider talking to your neighbors before starting your project.
Choose the Right Fencing Materials
The choice in your fencing material will often come down to a combination of design aesthetics and safety requirements. The main fencing materials in home settings are aluminum, vinyl, wood, and chain link.
Aluminum fencing is available in many different styles and is often considered the best option for creating a look that mimics the classic elegance of wrought iron fences. This fence won’t block any views and is sure to stand for a long time with no maintenance. For safety and security, aluminum is a great material.
Vinyl fencing is a great modern alternative for DIY fencing. The relatively lightweight and low-maintenance structure is surprising given the strength of the material. Vinyl can mimic the natural wood in a range of different color shades. Vinyl can be built to block views as a privacy fence or just act as a decorative fence for your backyard.
Wood is a versatile material and each fence will be completely unique. Wood can be used for privacy, as a decorative fence, or it can contain your pets. Wood needs to be sealed every few years to preserve it or it will weather (a beautiful look, but one that will shorten the lifespan of the fence).
Chain link fencing is a popular and cost-effective fencing option. While it’s not the prettiest material and is usually relegated to backyards rather than front yards, chain link is great for pet containment and security while being incredibly durable. It can be dressed up with wood accents or even faux foliage to create a more natural feeling in your backyard.
Follow the Directions
One of the best ways to install a DIY fence quickly is to use ActiveYards fence panels. Once your posts are set you simply snap securely into place. And we’re always here to provide guidance and help you troubleshoot!
Related: How a Fence Supply Near Me Can Lead to the Right Choice in Westchester County and Orange County, NY
