Thinking about putting in a fence? Before you get too far in the process, read about the mistakes to avoid with your fence installation. You’ll be glad you did.
7. Not Talking to Your Neighbors
Maybe you never see your neighbors. Make a point of introducing yourself before you install a fence. It’s the polite thing to do. And depending on where you’re putting your fence, you may need to ask them for their cooperation during installation.
Related Reading: Fence Etiquette 101
6. Not Choosing the Right Fence Materials
Not all fence materials are created equal, and some are easier to install than others. Carefully consider what you want your fence to look like, and if it needs to provide privacy, security, or be decorative in nature. You want to make the right choice to avoid needing to tear down the fence and start over.
Related Reading: What Type of Fencing Is Best?
5. Failing to Get a Surveyor to Mark Your Property Lines
If your fence is going to go up around the perimeter of your property, you need to hire a surveyor to mark the property lines. You can’t just eyeball it. This way, you avoid putting up the fence on your neighbor’s property or in a municipal easement. If you put the fence in the wrong place, you may face legal action that requires you to tear it down.
4. Failing to Get Utility Lines Marked and Cutting a Utility Line
Call before you dig. Fence post holes have to go pretty deep to stabilize the fence posts. IDig811 is a platform where you can request the various utility companies to come out and mark your property. They may use color-coded flags, spray paint, or both to mark the utility lines. If you fail to get the utilities marked and you dig ad cut a line, you are responsible for the cost of repairs.
3. Failing to Check HOA Rules and Getting HOA Approval
This one applies only if you belong to a Homeowners’ Association (HOA.) Many HOAs regulate the height of your fence, the fence materials, and the fence color. Putting up a fence that doesn’t meet the rules can result in you having to tear the fence down. Get approval of your fence before installing it and save yourself the trouble.
2. Failing to Get the Proper Permits and Checking Local Ordinances
Depending on where you want to build your fence and how high you want the fence to be, you will need a permit. Play it safe, and check with your city or municipality to see what ordinances they have regarding fence installation, and get a permit if you need one. Again, failing to get a permit if one is required, and ignoring local ordinances can result in you having to tear the fence out.
Related Reading: Denver Fence Regulations
1. Trying to Make Fence Installation a DIY Job
The biggest mistake we see is homeowners make trying to save a few bucks and make fence installation a DIY job. Trust us. By hiring a professional, you can avoid all of the mistakes we’ve already listed.
A reputable fence company will take care of getting the utility lines marked and pulling the proper permits. They can refer you to a surveyor you can hire to mark property lines. A fence contractor will have all of the tools, equipment, knowledge, and expertise to give you the finished product you deserve.
Related Reading: How to Get the Fence Installation You Deserve
Schedule a Fence Installation Quote
Don’t risk having to tear down an improperly installed fence. Work with the professionals at Denver Fence Company. To reach us the quickest, call (720) 418-8194 to schedule an appointment for us to visit your home or business to give you a detailed quote. An on-site visit is necessary so that we can take measurements, make note of any slope or uneven ground, and introduce ourselves.
We serve clients in the greater Denver area, including Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, and Wheat Ridge.