Putting up a fence is an effective way to secure your property and add privacy. It also protects your family from intruders, such as dogs and children. You can install a fence yourself, but it’s best to hire professionals who have the equipment and experience necessary to do the job right.
The cost of fencing installation is dependent on the size and scope of the project. The contractor’s labor, material costs and the distance they must drive to get to your home are all factors in determining the price. You should get at least three quotes from different contractors before deciding who to hire.
Choose a contractor with a good track record and excellent customer service. You can check reviews and ratings online or ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
Make sure you get a quote in writing from the contractor. You should also get a warranty that covers the materials and labor.
Select a style of fence that fits your needs and budget. The contractor should be able to guide you in the direction of the right type for your yard. If you have a specific fence in mind, shop around for prices and compare them with local contractors.
Installing a new fence is a complex and time-consuming project. It requires digging post holes, erecting posts and setting them in concrete. If you choose to do the whole job yourself, you can save money by using a post hole digger and laying out the post holes yourself.
Before digging the post holes, locate any underground utility lines. Depending on the area, you may need a permit from your local building department to dig up your yard and install a fence. You can call 811 nationwide to obtain free information on utility lines and buried cables and pipes.
Once the post holes are dug, the fence company will install galvanized post brackets to elevate the fence posts above the ground. This method prevents rot and slows the decomposition process of wood underground.
When the post brackets are in place, concrete is usually mixed up and poured into the hole. The concrete is then left to harden for an hour or so, and the fence posts are set in the hole. Then, the bottoms of the posts are covered with dirt and a gentle slope is made to divert water away from the fence.
Treat all cut ends with a wood preservative to inhibit the growth of fungi and rot. Use copper naphthenate or another brand of wood preservative if the fence isn’t pressure-treated. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying it to the cut end, and to treat the rest of the fence posts with it as well.
Alternatively, the fence company can paint the fence posts with a wood preservative before they’re installed. This also helps to hinder rot and discourages the growth of mold and mildew.
The contractor will then attach fence rails to each post and install the vertical fencing material, such as planks or boards. The contractor may also install gates. The gate may be either a sliding or swinging gate.