3 Things to Consider Before Building a Fence

Everyone has unique criteria for a home. Some people want a big kitchen. Some people want a big yard. But have you spent any time thinking about fencing?

Maybe you have kids or pets that you want to keep safe. Maybe you want a respite from the neighbors. Or maybe you just want to dress up your landscaping (and get a little privacy in the process). Either way, fencing offers all sorts of options if you know how to buy.

Before you dive into building a fence, here are three things to consider first.

Know What You Want and Why

First, you need to know what you want and why you want it.

You might think a fence is just a fence, but knowing why you want a fence will make it much easier to find a fence that suits your needs.

For example, do you want a shield from the wind without losing light? A tall glass fence is your best choice. These fences are especially popular as a choice to protect pools.

If, on the other hand, you want to feel more secure, you’re going to need a fence made of sturdier stuff. You’ll want a fence around eight feet high without anywhere to grip and a solid lock. A fence without horizontal rails on the outside is your first port of call.

If you’re looking for a fence to keep dogs in, you’ll have to think about what kind of dogs you have. Are they jumpers, diggers, gnawers, or just plain stubborn? If you have jumpers, you’ll need a fence several inches higher than their jumping height. If you have diggers, you’ll need a fence that goes at least three feet into the ground.

If you’re not clear on your priorities with a fence, you may get a fence that doesn’t work for you. A glass fence to keep a dog in is a terrible idea–not only will the fence be constantly filthy, but there’s a chance that your dog could break the fence and hurt themselves in the process.

Consider the Cost and Maintenance

Once you know what you’re looking for in a fence, make sure to consider the costs and maintenance fees associated with it.

Every fence has costs associated with installation. The exact cost depends on the type of fencing material and how much fence you purchase. If you purchase a fence using multiple materials or with specialized requirements, like a stepped design, it’s going to cost more.

And if you want to prolong the life of your fence, you’re going to need to do routine maintenance on it.

Consider how much you’re willing to spend on your fence at the outset, and how much work you’re willing to do to maintain it. Be realistic about how much maintenance the fence will need as it ages.

Do Your Research

Finally, you should always make sure to do your research before you spend a dime on fencing.

For example, do you know your city’s regulations regarding fencing? What about any homeowner’s association rules?

Do you know how well a wood fence ages compared to a stone fence? Do you know the installation costs of a wood fence compared to PVC fencing? Do you know how much the landscaping of your home will change your fencing costs?

Many homeowners jump in without considering the many factors that go into building a fence–and many of them end up disappointed that they didn’t think it through first.

Thinking of Building a Fence?

If you’re thinking of building a fence, you’ve come to the right place. We’re experienced, dedicated fencing professionals serving the Chicago area.

If you’d like to speak with us about your project, use our contact page to get in touch.