Fences can increase the value of your property, and they’re also a great way to keep your pets or children safe. But, before you start building a fence, it’s important to know the zoning regulations in your area.
You can use panels or pickets to build your fence. Panels are pre-fabricated pieces that can be painted to match the style of your home. Contact Grand Rapids Fencing for professional help.
Fences provide a number of benefits, such as privacy, security, and boundary definition. They also add to a property’s resale value. They can also improve a home’s curb appeal and can help keep pets and children safe. However, fences can be expensive to install and maintain. A good rule of thumb is that the cost of fencing materials makes up about half the total cost of a fence, while labor costs make up the other half. However, it’s important to note that there are a number of factors that can affect the cost of your new fence, including materials, style, and additional features.
Generally, wood fences are the most affordable, while metal and chain-link fencing are the most expensive. However, each material has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your budget and lifestyle. It’s also worth noting that there are a variety of fence heights to consider. A taller fence will require more materials and labor, so this can increase your overall cost.
Another factor that can influence the cost of a fence is the type and style of decoration. For example, you can add decor elements like finials to your wooden fence, or decorative post caps to your metal fence. These can add $5 to $30 per linear foot of your fence, depending on the style and material.
Before you begin the construction of your fence, it’s a good idea to check with your local government to find out if you need a permit. You may also need to pay for a land survey, which can help establish your property lines. Lastly, you’ll likely need to have any existing vegetation removed or relocated.
In addition to these expenses, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the labor and equipment that will be used for installation. It’s best to hire a professional team, as they will have the tools and experience needed to build your fence quickly and efficiently. In fact, a professional team can typically install up to 200 linear feet in about four days, compared to the eight or 10 days it would take for a homeowner without any experience.
Materials
The price of materials for fencing installation can vary significantly based on the type and style of fence. Wood, vinyl and composite are the cheapest fences to install while metal and wrought iron are more expensive. Fences constructed of wrought iron or a combination of different types of material such as steel and aluminum are usually the most expensive and can cost up to $55 per linear foot.
Fence construction depends on the type of ground and site conditions, which may require special digging equipment or specialized skills to dig post holes for heavy fences. Contractors often use a spade that has a slender digging blade and less surface area to penetrate tough soil easily. Trenching spades also help the contractor locate buried utilities before digging, which can save time and money.
Most home improvement stores sell the basic materials needed for a typical wooden or vinyl fence, including posts, rails, and panels. However, for large projects such as a long or complex fence, it’s generally best to hire a professional fence contractor to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Fence contractors will also have the tools and experience to transport and build fences over difficult terrain, such as rocky or compacted earth.
For fences that will be built on uneven ground, a leveling instrument is necessary to check the levelness of the finished product. A torpedo level is recommended since it can check both horizontal and vertical levelness. A post hole digger and a shovel are also required to dig the holes for fence posts. The depth of these holes should reach one-third to one-half of the height of the fence, depending on soil type.
Decorative fence parts can be used to give the final project a personal touch and add value to the property. For example, a finial can be added to the top of a vinyl or wood fence to provide a more elegant look. A row of flowering plants can be placed along a fence to create a wall of color that will welcome visitors. Trees, bushes and hedges are other inexpensive fence materials that offer privacy and demarcate property lines.
Planning
Before starting any fencing project, it’s important to make sure that you have a plan. This will help you save time, reduce costs, and ensure that your fence is built correctly. If you aren’t sure where to begin, try asking your neighbors for their opinions or consulting a professional. It’s also a good idea to check with local government officials to find out about any building codes, restrictions, or permits that may apply to your property.
To get started, you need to figure out how long you want your fence to be and where it will go. Once you have a rough idea of what you want, it’s time to get the materials and tools that you’ll need. Depending on the style of fence you’re building, you might need to buy a lot of different items, such as posts, rails, and boards. You should also consider whether you’ll be using panels or individual pickets. Panels are usually cheaper and quicker to build than individual pieces, but they don’t provide as much privacy.
Another important step is obtaining a plat map, which shows the boundaries of your property. This is particularly important if you’re planning to put your fence on or near your property line. Otherwise, you could end up with a costly legal dispute over property lines. If you’re unsure about where your property line is, it’s worth paying for a surveyor to come out and determine it for you.
Lastly, you’ll need to identify any buried utility lines that might be in the way of your fence installation. This can be done by calling the local utilities company or checking online resources. You should never dig until you know where the lines are located and they have been marked.
It’s also a good idea to talk with your neighbors about your plans for the new fence. This will allow them to voice any concerns and help you find a solution. It will also make the construction process less stressful for everyone involved. You might even be able to work out an agreement with your neighbors, such as sharing the cost of the fence or agreeing on a time frame for completion.
Installation
Once the fence plans have been finalized and materials gathered, it’s time to start the installation process. The first step is to clean the area where the fence will be built and cover surrounding areas with drop cloths to protect them from paint, debris, and mildew. Next, the contractor will dig post holes. These holes should be deep enough to support the height of your fence and ensure stability once they’re filled with concrete or another material. Typically, the depth of the hole should be one-third to one-half of the overall fence height.
After the posts are set, the crew will add a layer of concrete to each hole and then brace them if necessary. They may also use galvanized post brackets to help protect the posts from direct soil contact. Once the concrete has been installed, it must be allowed to cure and set before the rest of the fence can be constructed.
Fences can be very complicated structures to install, and if you’re not an experienced construction pro, hiring a professional might be a better option. In addition, some communities have strict guidelines regarding fence height, design and placement, so it’s important to consult with your local building department before constructing a fence.
When installing a new fence, you should always wear safety gear, especially if working with power tools or other equipment. A mask and gloves will keep you protected from dirt, dust and other contaminants. You should also keep an eye out for underground utility lines as you work. If possible, it’s a good idea to have your fence built by a licensed and insured construction company.
Whether you’re installing a picket fence or a panel fence, the first step is to mark out where the corner and end posts will be. You’ll then use stakes to define the perimeter of the fence and run a string line across the area. This will be used to guide your installation and serve as a reference for the height of the finished fence. Once you’ve marked the area, it’s time to dig your fence post holes.