fencing in the area around your pool

How To Pick The Right Fencing For Your Location

28 February 2023 by Emma Kilpela

Before you go to a fencing company, it's wise to think about how to pick the right product for the job. Fortunately, you can follow these four steps to select the right fence for your location.

Goals

Ask what you intend to accomplish with the fence. Every location has different needs, and your goal should be to solve as many problems as possible. There is a difference between installing a privacy fence in a residential neighborhood and putting up chain link fencing for security.

Try to determine what the goals of the fence are and then write them down. For example, you might want to install a fence for aesthetics and to distinguish the property line. You can then use these criteria to have a thorough discussion when you visit a fence company.

Regulations

You don't want to put a fence up just to have to take it down because it violated local regulations. There are always rules about how high fences can be and how far they have to be from the property line. These rules exist to prevent neighbors from starting fights over fencing. Likewise, there may be rules regarding how much the fence can obstruct the view of a house on the property. Some HOAs may even have rules regarding fencing materials and colors.

Contact the enforcement office for where you plan to install the fence. They can tell you the applicable codes. You can then bounce your ideas off a code enforcement officer to ensure you won't commit any violations. If necessary, you may need to go to a council meeting to request a variance.

Environment

Environmental factors will significantly affect what kinds of fencing will work well at a location. If you live right next to the sea, for example, you probably don't want to install a wrought iron fence. The salty air can drive corrosion that'll quickly destroy such materials. Some wooden fences won't hold up well in regions with high humidity levels and could rot, although there often are treatment options. Try to choose the best materials for your environment.

Costs

Finally, you'll want to ask the fencing company for prices on different options. Remember to think beyond the materials costs. Whether you or a contractor will install the fence, this is an additional expense. If a fence uses a complicated installation system, it might only be cost-effective when you look at the materials.

Also, consider the total cost of ownership. Saving money today could cost you down the road if you select less durable materials. Contact a fencing company near you to learn more.

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