You’ve probably heard that old adage about measuring twice and cutting once. Well, getting that backwards is only one of the many mistakes that DIY fence builders make. If you’re considering constructing your own fence, take heed. Your friends at Buzz are devoted to saving the world from ugly, rickety, wormy, inefficient, illegal and otherwise undesirable fences. Read on to avoid some all-too-common fence mistakes.
Are you sure that’s your property?
One surefire way to start a neighborhood feud is to build a fence that incorporates part of your neighbor’s yard into your own. DIYers love to save money, but at least hire a professional surveyor to make sure you know your property lines.
Fence mistakes with post depth
To withstand the wind, rain and other elements, you’ll need to dig a minimum of two feet down and anchor your fence posts with a concrete/gravel layer. Deeper is okay. Shallower is not.
Thinking the sky is the limit
Have you checked your local zoning laws? Depending on where you live, that six-foot fence may not be welcome. Many cities have rules about fence height, and some homeowner’s associations [HOAs] have strict codes about materials and even the color of your fence. If you’re building a fence around a swimming pool, you have even more guidelines to study.
Underground mysteries
You can find a lot of surprises when you dig – earthworms, your dog’s bone collection, buried treasure, if you’re really lucky. But you know what you don’t want to find? Underground pipes and wires. Call your local utilities before you pick up the shovel.
Grade A
Even yards that look flat might have a bit of slope. And what happens if you fail to account for the grade in your property? Gaping, embarrassing holes between your fence and the ground. Don’t flunk this one. If you lack these skills, hire surveyors and carpenters to do the job right.
Fences can be shocking
We’re just going to touch on this one – ouch! Believe us, a lot can go wrong with electric fencing. This isn’t a good DIY project for the average homeowner. The experts at Beef Magazine encourage spacing ground rods throughout your whole fencing network rather than grouping them all by the energizer. This is particularly important if you live in a place where the average rainfall isn’t ideal for proper grounding.
Now, readers, contact your city about permits and your utilities about underground wires, assemble your tools, select your materials, survey your yard and start building. Or relax and call us. Buzz Custom Fence has thorough expertise in all the necessary areas of fence building. We’d be delighted to talk with you about all your fence needs.
