How To Determine The Cost Of A New Fence?
If you’re looking for a way to make your backyard paradise a little more secluded, a privacy fence is a perfect addition for your home. Privacy fencing is great because they add security, block prying eyes, and lets your furry friends run around leash-free in the yard.
Building a privacy fence can give you peace of mind, especially if you have young children or pets, but they do require an investment from the homeowner. Whether you are choosing to install a privacy fence on your own or go with a professional fence company, (cough cough) there are a few factors you have to take into consideration when estimating fence costs.
Here are some things to consider when estimating the cost of a new fence. This list can help you and be used as a guide in your decision making:
1. Check Your Zoning Laws
Before purchasing any materials, you should make sure your fence will meet your local requirements and that you have permission to install it. First, you will need to know where your property lines are. If you have any doubts, have a survey done. You should also check your local zoning laws before seriously investing time and money into fence installation. Depending on where you live, there might be height limitations and boundary requirements for fences. For example most areas in Los Angeles have a front yard height limit of 42”. So before you build your 6ft privacy fence in the front yard, double check!
After verifying your local zoning laws, it’s not a bad idea to check with your local Homeowner’s Association (HOA) too. They might have strict guidelines about the types of fences, including materials and colors, you can build on your property. It’s always better to make sure sooner rather than later that your fence meets requirements and that you have permission to build it.
Harwell Fencing and Gates Inc. has been installing fences in Los Angeles and Santa Monica for over two decades, so we know a thing or two about fence laws and requirements.
2. Mark Off Your Utilities
Most homes have an existing fence to determine the property line, however if you don’t have a fence around your property already, you’ll have to mark the utility lines before getting started. Marking off your utilities sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes this step gets overlooked. Not marking off your utility lines could lead to a nasty surprise like accidentally hitting pipes or wires underground while installing your fence—Oops!
You don’t want your fence directly on top of utility lines either. If the city has to do repair work, your brand new fence might be torn out of the ground, and you’ll have to start all over again. Before digging, call 811 to get in touch with your local utility companies.
3. Choose Your Fence Materials
Now that you have the area measured, you’re ready to select your materials! Typically, fences are about six feet in height and come in pre-built panels. Wood Fencing is our most popular choice for homeowners.
Wood Fencing comes in several different styles depending on your preference. For those who enjoy home decor, wooden fences are easy to customize with stain or paint to make them all your own, but you will need to reapply stain and paint annually. (Which we include in our finishing package).
Choose the material that suits your needs, but remember that going with the cheapest option might not be the best idea in the long run. A less expensive wood often means it’s of a lower quality and will have to be replaced sooner. The same goes with other material options, the phrase you get what you pay for is extremely applicable when it comes to picking out your fence materials. Building a new fence is an investment, and it’s wise to consider possible upkeep in the future as well as the initial price of installation.
5. Weight the Costs: Labor vs DIY
Installing your own fence is where DIYers can save the most money. Just remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your fence won’t be either. If you want to get the most out of building your own fence, do your research, grab a buddy, and take your time.
If you want to install a privacy fence right away with no hassle, consider contacting a professional fencing company. While the cost of labor will be higher than doing it on your own, the fence will be installed faster, and you’ll avoid getting frustrated over a DIY job gone wrong.
Want To Install A New Fence?
If you’re ready to install a privacy fence around your property, let us know! Reach out to us by sending us an email to Info@harwelldesign.com or Call us at (310) 601-6616. The easiest way to reach us is by filling out a Free Online Form. We are here to help so contact us anytime!