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If you would like to install a fence around your property, how much is your working budget should be? If you don’t have any idea how much it will cost you to install a fence, then it’s best that you start asking around. Start by calling up a reputable fencing company and asking all the questions you want to be answered by them. Of course, you must end the call with a request for a quote.  

It’s true that you may possibly install a fence on your own. But it’s strength and stability are something that an amateur can’t guarantee. Experts install fences all the time, so they won’t be bothered by the slope or grade of the land surrounding the property.  

How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? 

If you really want to make fence installation as a DIY project simply because you want to save, then it’s time to touch upon the costs. Fence installation could cost you a few thousand dollars, and that’s a fact. The bigger your property is, the more expensive the undertaking will be.  

The best way to know the actual price of the project is to have somebody who is an expert in fence installation to come over and assess your property. Aside from its size, there are many other factors that could affect the price, such as the grade of the land, obstacles, and the materials you want to use. Your personal preferences regarding the height of the fence is a factor as well.  

What to Ask a Fence Installer  

Since you’ll have somebody come over your home, you might as well ask them about a few other things about the project. That way, you’ll get more relevant information about it and you make sound decisions later on.  

Start by asking who will get the city permits necessary for the project. Since there will be digging involved, will they get clearance from the utility companies as well? You should also know how long the project will take and if they offer a warranty on their services.  

The answer to these questions may affect the price of the project, but that’s okay. All of these questions are relevant and you’ll end up doing them if the contractors won’t. It’s best that you let them handle every single detail since you’re going to hire them anyway.  

How Much Should You Pay Them?  

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that question. But to give you an idea, then it’s better to start by setting an estimated price on the project based on the materials to be used. The cheapest type of fence is the chain-link fence, which costs around $13 per foot or $2,600 on the average. The next is the wood fence, which costs $16 per foot and has an average price of $3,200. Installing vinyl fences cost $30 per foot and that’s about $6,000 on the average. If you want to install an aluminum fence, then expect to pay $40 per foot or an average of $8,000. You see, fence installation is not that cheap so you have to decide correctly at the start.   

With the different types of fences available to you, how do you know which one is the best type to install around your property? There are several factors to consider and you’re required to weigh each of them to find out what your best option is.  

The first thing that you have to do is determine the real reason why you need a fence. You’re not going to spend several thousand dollars on a project that worth nothing to you, would you? Deciding based on that goal makes things easier for you.  

A Guide on Choosing the Right Fence 

To choose the right fence, you have to be duly informed. You have to know what makes a wood fence different from an iron fence and which one will look good on your property. Here are some of the key points to consider:  

1. Appearance 

You may have other reasons why you’re installing a fence. But you have to consider how each type of fence will look on your property. It has to improve your home’s curb appeal, more than anything. Don’t install a fence that’s going to be an eyesore. Even if it gets the job done, your neighbors are going to revolt against it.  

2. Determine the maintenance requirements of the fence.  

Unfortunately, not all fences are the same. Some fences are easy to install but require a higher level of maintenance than the others. Others are difficult to install and will require the tools, equipment, and expertise of fence contractors. But they don’t require as much maintenance than the lower-priced option does. It all boils down to finding out how much you can commit to keeping the fence standing and looking good for an extended period of time.  

3. Check with the homeowners’ association.  

Unfortunately for most homeowners, there’s an association that oversees the improvements that they do on their property, including fence installation. If there’s a governing body where you live, it’s best that you check with them first. There are homeowners’ associations that only allow the installation of vinyl fences. If that’s the case, then you really don’t have any choice but to install such a type.  

4. Hire qualified fence contractors.  

You might be tempted to do the fencing job yourself but that’s not really advisable. It is still better to hire experts to save on time and effort. Furthermore, a fencing contractor would give you recommendations on which fence best suits your property. If you still can’t decide which to install and you need details on the advantages and disadvantages of each fencing material, then set up a consultation with these professionals.  

These are just some of the tips that would make a fence installation project a lot easier for you. Don’t just install any fence. You should find out what suits your property best so that your home’s curb appeal is improved and your property’s resale value is increased. The right fence can definitely do more than just secure your property. It can also make your home stand out from the rest.  

If you want to install a fence around your property, then you might be tempted to make it a DIY project. After all, there are hundreds of instructional videos on the internet. You should be good installing any type of fence, including a chain-link fence, on your own. Right? Wrong. 

Every type of fence requires a different installation technique. Some fences are easy to install and that’s true. However, there are some types that are very difficult to handle and work with. If you’re not a real DIY type of person, then you might find it difficult to install the fence that you always wanted for your property.  

What You Need for a DIY Fencing Project 

The first requirement for a DIY fencing project is that you’re home improvement savvy. That means you know a thing or two about home repair and installation. That also suggests that you already own many of the tools that are needed to do the job. If that’s not the case, then it’s better to delegate the task to the professionals.  

One of the things that you’ll need is hole diggers to install the posts manually. You may also use an auger if you have access to that. These tools and equipment are necessary if the soil around your property is hard-pack and riddle with trees. Sure, you can dig manually using your hands or other tools, but that’s going to consume a lot of your time and energy.  

Is a DIY Fencing Project Cheaper? 

You might be tempted to install the fence on your own, thinking that doing so is much cheaper than hiring fencing contractors. That’s not entirely correct. Fencing contractors have good business relations with material suppliers. That’s how they can get the materials needed for the job at a much lower cost than for how much they’re sold in the market. They also have digging equipment at their disposal to make the otherwise laborious task easier and faster.  

If you prefer to do things on your own, you’re likely to spend a lot of money on the materials needed plus the rental of the equipment. Add into the computation your time spent on the project and you’ll see that the money you spent on all these is higher than if you simply hire the professionals. Furthermore, working with the experts assures you of quality results. They certainly can do the job better than you could.  

How to Hire the Best Fencing Contractors  

To hire the best fencing contractors, all you need to do is find the best ones in your area. You’re free to ask for referrals from family and friends to get started. You may also scour the internet for leads. Make a shortlist of the top five fencing contractors in your area, and make sure that each one is reputable.  

Select the best service provider from your list by talking to them personally or calling them up through the phone. You may also request a quote from each of them and compare their prices and services. Once you’re confident, hire that company whom you know will give you the best results.   

If you want to install a fence, you can expect to spend up to $8,000 on the project, depending on how large the property to be enclosed is. That’s the price you’re going to pay if you own at least an acre of land.  

But there are many types of other fencing options that you can choose and whatever you choose can affect the price that you have to pay. Each fencing material requires a different installation technique, which is why the prices greatly vary. 

Common Types of Fences  

Some of the most common types of fences are listed below. If you would like to find out which fence suits your budget while still providing you with the highest performance and aesthetic value, read on. The right choice might just be around the corner.  

1. Vinyl or composite fences  

Vinyl or composite fences are among the top choices today. They’re highly preferred by homeowners’ associations because they have clean and uniform lines. They are also cost-effective and easy to maintain. Vinyl fences require no sealing, staining, or painting. They are also offered longer warranties than the other kinds of fencing.  

2. Brick and masonry fences  

If you want to use bricks as your fence, that’s possible. However, brick fences work best in historic neighborhoods, not really in newer subdivisions. They are also recommended for stately properties like mansion houses as they offer a high level of security and privacy. 

3. Metal fences 

Examples of metal fences are steel and wrought iron. These are ridiculously expensive types of fences, but they’re also among the strongest and most aesthetic. This type is highly recommended if you want to establish the boundaries of your property without obstructing the views.  

4. Wood fences  

Wood fences are also a very common type of fencing and it gives homes a nice, traditional look to it. But wood requires adequate maintenance to maximize its lifespan. Wood can only function up to 15 years. The maintenance required is also more complicated than the other fencing choices, as you need to paint, stain, and seal wooden fences almost regularly.  

Other Factors that can Affect Your Choice  

Now that you know the different types of fences, you might already have an idea as to which one of them is a good fit for your property. However, there are a few other considerations when choosing the right one.  

For starters, you have to check the slope and grade of your yard. This affects the type of installation that needs to be done. It means that some of the fencing materials listed above are not applicable to your property. The same goes true if there are obstacles along the way.  

Labor is also a factor when installing fences. Some service providers offer their services at rock bottom rate but the quality is not that good. Others charges so much for quality services. It’s best that you find fencing installers that can provide you good quality services at affordable rates. That’s the ideal service provider to hire.  

It’s understandable why people would like to install a fence around their property for privacy. It’s not really comfortable to be always visible from the road, with passers-by looking at everything you’re doing from inside your home. 

Privacy fences are quite popular in many neighborhoods. However, there’s a right and wrong way to install them, so be sure to consult with local fencing contractors who are well-versed with the city codes when it comes to installing fences.  

In case you want to install privacy fences yourself, here are some of the steps that you have to follow. Take note that most privacy fences are made of wood, so you’ve got to make sure that this material is usable on your property. 

1. Determine the locations of the end and corner posts.  

Fences need end and corner posts for strength and stability. You have to mark where these areas will be using rebar or flag. That way, you will be able to adjust their locations as needed. It’s quite easy to install privacy fences on leveled surfaces. If your property has a slope or grade, then you might need to make minor adjustments along the way.  

2. Dig a hole.  

The depth required for each hole is 24 inches. Make sure that the diameter of the hole is thrice as large as the width of the post. However, you might need to dig deeper if you are located in an area where there is high winds or vibration. On the other hand, if the soil is too soft, you might need to add concrete to the footer for added support. 

3. Install the post.  

Once you have the post ready, install and secure it in place. You may pack back the dirt, but it’s better to use gravel or concrete mix for stability. Gravel doesn’t require curing and it’s easier for you to take out the post if it’s necessary.  

4. String lines between the posts.  

Now that you have the corner posts up, it’s time to install the individual fences. String a line from one post to the other so you’ll know where the fence should fall. Dig holes along that line, fitting each fence panel.  

5. Install the panels.  

If you have used concrete to secure the posts, wait for it to fully cure before you install the rest of the panels. When ready, start installing panels from the corner posts. Screw them into the posts and place the spacers under the panels to hold them in place. Do this for every panel around your property and you’re all set.  

It’s fairly easy to install a wood fence on your own. However, it is still better if you seek the help of professionals. Expert fence installers will make sure that your fence is installed properly. If you hire them to do the job, then you won’t have to worry about doing manual labor. You can simply wait for them to finish the project while you sit back and relax in your more private and more secure home.