What you need to know before fencing in a yard – Gadsden Times

Fencing in a yard seems like a simple project, right? Just hammer in a few posts, attach yourfencing, and there you go. Well, thats one way of doing it ... but its not the smartest.

Careful planning will save you tons of time, money and hassle once you actually install your fence. I talked with Joe Raboine, Director ofBelgard Residential Hardscapes, about what you must research before fencing in your yard, and a few things to watch out for.Bottom line, warns Joe, is to "make sure you dont do anything that will cost money later ... or have to be replaced!"

Laws and regulationsEnsure your plans comply with local regulations. Your homeowners association is the place to start; most require an architectural review before approving new fence plans. Interestingly, Joe points out, "The city will usually defer to the HOA."

If a permit is necessary for fence installation in your town, have that in hand before work begins. And find out whether underground utility pipes or cables run where you plan to dig.

Property lineDetermine your exact property line so you dont accidentally install the fence on your next door neighbors turf. Refer to theplat map(if its less than 5 years old) or hire a surveyor. Local law might specify an additional setback of several inches to one foot.

Ground conditionJoe comments, "Soil can play a big part in your fence planning. With new construction, you want to make sure the soil has settled. Otherwise, it should be thoroughly compacted.

"Beyond that, depending on the region of the country, you may need to reinforce the fenceposts. If the soil is very solid, like a heavy clay, often you can just pack itaround the posts. But when its really sandy, you may have to useSonotubes filled with concrete to keep the sand from collapsing while youprepare to set the posts.

"In some areas, youll run into bedrock or boulders, which may require drilling or bringing in special equipment. When youget fencing quotes, discuss how thats going to be handled."

MaterialsModern fencing options include natural wood, composite, vinyl, aluminum, steel, chain link, wrought iron and bamboo. (Read more aboutfence materials here.)

Four essential factors will help narrow your choice:1. Purpose: privacy, secure children's play area, keeping animals in (or out), etc.2. Budget3. Taste and style4. Amount of maintenance youre willing to put into the finished product: eg.painting a wood fence

To illustrate: Thoughchain linkis a cheap way of fencing in a yard, it may clash with the style of your home ... and doesnt quite cut it as privacy fencing or a noise barrier.

LandscapingPlan a fence that will work with your landscape and hardscape (existing or future). Consider whether youd like to bring in heavy equipment, perhaps to pour aconcrete patio. That should obviously be done before you have the fence installed.

Talk with your lawn sprinkler company to decide whether equipment will have to be repositioned. You do not want your new fence to be in the path of the lawn sprinkler spray.

OpeningsHow many gates will you need? Count on installing two minimum or possibly more - for example, if your driveway will pass through the fence. At least one opening should be wide enough for outdoor necessities like garbage cans or snow blowers.

Special featuresFence columns are trendy these days, according to Raboine, for decorative purposes and to hold lighting. Joe advises you to plan the lighting design out carefully with your fencing company for the best-looking results.

Also popular are trellises or vertical gardens incorporated into the fence. This not only softens your fences appearance, but also supplies you with freshvegetablesor flowers. Especially suitable for new houses with smaller lots.

Fencing in a yard - must-know numbers- Cost of fencing in a yard:$1-45 per linear foot depending on type of material (not including labor).- Cheapest fence material:barbed wire and electric (invisible) fencing both start at $1 per linear foot.- Priciest fence material:composite such asTrex ; upscale styles cost as much as $45 a linear foot.- Average cost offencing permit:$40.- Average cost of land survey:$500.- Fence height:generally 3-foot limit for front yard; 6 feet elsewhere on your property (pool fenceshave special regulations). Sometimes theres a 30-inchminimumheight. Confirm with your local building authority.- Fencepost spacing:maximum 8 feet apart.- Posthole depth:at least 3 feet in cold climates (6 inches below frostline).- Gate width:36 inches for a person walking and/or using a mobility device. 48+ inches for lawn equipment.- One-call numberto phone before digging:811.

Laura Firszt writes fornetworx.com.

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What you need to know before fencing in a yard - Gadsden Times