A Yard with Distinction

A fence can improve the curb appeal of your property, increase your security and provide you with privacy. If you consider yourself handy, you might be thinking about putting up a fence yourself. While it is definitely a doable DIY job, there are some important things that you need to take into consideration before tackling the job. Keep on reading to find out more.

Consider the Material

Fences are made of several different materials, and you really have to consider your needs before selecting a material and committing to it. For example, while a wood fence may seem like a no-brainer, you need to be aware of how much maintenance it will require. A wood fence should be stained or sealed in order to preserve it. If you aren't keen on the idea of annual staining, you might want to nix the wood and choose something that requires little maintenance, like vinyl. However, while the limited maintenance of vinyl may be appealing, you should also consider your budget, as this material tends to be significantly more expensive than wood. Contact a company like Harrington & Company to help decide which building materials are best for your fence.

Define Property Lines

It's extremely important to find out precisely where your property line is before you install your fence. Your neighbors wouldn't be too happy if you enclosed part of their property in your fence.

To find out exactly where your property line sits, contact your town's assessor. This person keeps records of the property lines for each piece of property in his or her jurisdiction.  Request a printout of the survey of your land so that you can easily locate your property lines. Once you determine exactly where your property ends, mark the lines out with pegs, which will serve as guides when you install your fence.

Consider the Climate

The climate should also be considered before installing your fence. In colder climates that experience freezing temperatures, concrete anchors for the fence posts are a necessity. The concrete will help to prevent any cracking of the posts when cold temperatures set in. In climates that experience warm temperatures, vinyl fencing is a great choice, as it can easily withstand excessive heat, which could make wood buckle and warp.

Entrances and Exits

Access points are very important in your fence. You want to make sure that the entrances are delineated so that they can easily be identified. A pergola or arch placed above the gate will make it distinguishable. You should also make sure that the gate is large enough to move large objects through, such as a lawn mower, bikes and other bulky items that may pass through it.

Keep these important points in mind when you are preparing to install your fence, as they will allow you to install a fence that you will love for years to come.