Installing a vinyl fence is no small project, and the last thing you want is to encounter a set back of any kind once you’ve started, especially if that means adding more time or expense to your project. Thankfully, the majority of problems that may arise can be prevented with some forethought and pre-planning. Here are 5 fence installation mistakes to avoid during your next DIY project.
1. Poor Planning
One of the biggest mistakes made by homeowners is a lack of planning when preparing to install a vinyl fence. This can range from improperly measuring your yard to neglecting to account for posts, or really anything that leaves you short on materials or the tools you need to do the job. Prior to buying materials, make sure you’ve done your research and know exactly what you need and what you need to do—it’ll save you time, money, and a headache.
2. Not Checking Zoning Laws
Many cities have zoning laws when it comes to fencing and can dictate the height and placement of the fence on your property line. Before you start clearing the fence line and digging post holes, contact your city offices to make sure your fencing will adhere to all laws and regulations.
3. Forgetting to Call the Utility Company
Imagine having everything ready to go for your fencing project, just to plunge your auger deep into the earth and hit a gas line. Or a water pipe. Or even a sprinkler line. Any of these scenarios leaves you with a potential emergency at worst, and a huge inconvenience at best. A simple call to your local utility company can help you avoid hitting gas, water, or cable lines, while a glance over a map of your sprinkler system can prevent you from damaging that system.
4. Choosing to Wing It
As with any project in life, failing to follow the directions can leave you with countless problems, like an improperly assembled final product, missing parts, and most frustrating of all, a handful of extra pieces left over at the end. Follow the directions—it’s as simple as that. Even if you’ve installed a fence before, each one is different, thus requiring different assembly and tools.
5. Neglecting to Verify Your Property Line
When in doubt, always double check your property line. Call to have a survey done to verify where your property ends to be sure you don’t install a fence on your neighbor’s property, or on land that belongs to the city. This is not the type of project you want to complete just to have to re-do it.
Ready to Get Started?
Understanding these common mistakes can help you avoid them, so be sure to do your research and plan for your fencing install thoroughly before starting your project.
Contact us today for help and advice getting started.
