There are many decisions to make when putting up your own fence. The choices are all yours, but there are some mistakes you’ll want to avoid along the way.
If you are planning on undertaking a big project like a DIY fence, there are some important things to keep in mind. After you have chosen a material, such as aluminum, you will need to do a bit of prep work and research to ensure you have all of your bases covered. Unfortunately, some people jump right into a large DIY project like this without doing enough preparations and end up running into some snafus along the way. Here is a look at some common mistakes to avoid making when adding a fence to your property.
Mistake #1: Thinking plain is the only way
The first common mistake has to do with décor. Many people think a fence either has to be a white wooden picket fence or a black iron fence. This could not be further from the truth! There are so many different material, color and décor choices to match what suits your home. Whether you’re matching the color of your fence to your home or choosing a color that is complementary to the area or even choosing a bright, bold color to stand out from the crowd, the choice is yours. Along with choosing a color, you can also choose accents such as pointed tips, scrolls, personalized decals or mesh detailing. A plain black or white fence with minimal detailing is always a popular choice, but there are so many other options that are also worth considering.
Mistake #2: Not keeping pets in mind
A second mistake that is often made is related to the shape and additions of the fence. Not all fences are created equal, and not all fences are created for the littlest members of a family. If you have an outdoor pet or plan to get one in the near future, you’ll want to choose fence pickets that will be able to keep your pet safe and secure in your yard. Many aluminum fences come with an option of puppy-sized pickets for the bottom part of the fence that are narrow enough to not let puppies or dogs through. This is a quick enough decision to make, but it’s definitely one to think about before beginning the DIY fence project.
Mistake #3: Failing to check legalities
When you’re making any changes to your home or property, you must always remember to keep any building codes, homeowner’s associations rules or other legalities in mind. Check with your local council, realtor or neighbors to ensure you have covered all of the bases, especially if you are new to the neighborhood. In addition, you will also want to double-check your property lines to avoid mistakenly setting up your DIY fence on their property. Double-check your information with your neighbor’s information to make sure you are all on the same page about where each property ends and the next one begins.
Taking on a project like putting up your own fence can seem daunting, but knowing all the questions to ask yourself to ensure you have covered all angles can help make the process easier. Be sure to get your supplies from a reputable source, and ask the company any remaining questions you might have. Arming yourself with as much information as you can will help make your DIY project a success.
