Every state or local government has rules you need to follow when it comes to building your home. When choosing extra enhancements, such as a fence installation, there are important considerations you’ll want to keep in mind.

Let’s take a quick look at five important factors worth noting when installing a fence.

1. You may need a permit
2. A survey can help you determine your property line
3. Your HOA may stop you from installing a fence, or even demand a certain style of fence
4. It’s important to locate wires and other utilities underground prior to digging. 5. What direction should your fence face?

Permits

You’ll most likely need a permit before you build your fence, or you may be forced to remove it. Generally, permanent structures require permits. A temporary structure is something that’s easily moveable and is only considered to be in the space for a limited time. When you choose to build additions such as an extra room, a carport, or in this instance a fence, you’ll want to make sure you have a permit.

Surveys

Land surveys can help prevent neighborly disputes. Property lines allow you to understand where you can place your fence, and where things are impinging on your neighbor’s yard. Handling these details before building a fence will save you hassle and headaches later.

HOAs

HOAs (Homeowners Associations) came in varying strictness. While some have more lax rules, others can be persnickety if you don’t follow precise rules you agreed to when you bought your home there. For example, there may be a rule precluding you from putting up a six-foot privacy fence, or even a certain style of fence. It’s important to check with your HOA before starting a fence installation so you don’t run into legality issues down the line.

Marking Utility Lines

Have you ever heard the phrase Dial before you Dig? It’s vital to contact your local authority and advise them you plan on digging. They’ll send out a professional who will identify certain lines which you can’t see underground such as electric, water, and gas lines. They’ll mark them with paint, flags, or other identifying tags. It’s a lot easier to call your local authority and get your lines marked, than hitting a utility line and being responsible for the cost of your mistake. For example, in Ohio, you dial 8-1-1 or search e-dig on your internet browser.

Fencing Etiquette

Who knew fencing etiquette existed? Have you ever wondered what side of your fence should be facing your home? When it comes to a populated neighborhood, the proper way to install a fence is with the clean or smooth side facing out. If you’re in the middle of nowhere and don’t have neighbors, feel free to choose whichever side you’d prefer on the inside or outside. But common courtesy in a neighborhood dictates that the smooth side of the fence faces outward.

Complications don’t have to burden you

There’s a lot more that goes into fencing than simply popping up wood slats. There are different materials you can choose from, along with different aesthetics, such as picket fencing, opened slat fencing, and vinyl fencing.

Fencing structure starts with solid, well-positioned posts. When it comes to your building a fence, post holes are another matter altogether. There’s a proper depth for them to be dug, proper ways to secure them, and you want to make sure they’re level.

Wow, there’s a lot of work that goes into installing a fence!

Wouldn’t it be easier to simply pick up your phone and call us? We can handle all those pesky details for you. Why deal with blisters from digging holes with rented equipment, or trying to get things to get just the right level when you’re met with a lop-sided slope in your yard?

We’d love to take the hassle out of installing a fence and handle those messy odds and ends for you. Sit back and enjoy the finished project and let us do the hard work. Ready to get started? Contact us, today.