It might seem like a simple matter to install a fence around your property, but there are many factors to address. This is why the average property owner decides to leave the project in the hands of a fencing company rather than making this a DIY task.

If you do decide to install a fence without expert help, make sure you avoid the following costly mistakes.

1. Failing to Properly Plan Your Project

From drafting a layout for your fence to choosing between security or ornamental fences, planning a fence installation is a complex process. A common mistake is for a property owner to buy fencing materials without thinking about the various factors that will affect their fence installation. Installing a fence that will meet all of your needs requires intricate planning.

2. Misinterpreting the Geography of Your Property

The geography of your property will affect various aspects of the installation process. For example, irregular property lines might require designing a fence with a zigzag shape. This increases the materials you’ll need and affects the installation cost. Similarly, property with hills, streams, or other variations can impact your project’s cost and installation timeline.

3. Forgetting to Check Zoning Laws

Many communities dictate the types of fences that are legally permitted on residential properties. Some local governments restrict the installation of chain link fences. Your local zoning laws might also regulate the distance between your fence and the property line. If you don’t check these laws in advance, your fence installation might result in fines and the removal of your new fence.

4. Violating HOA Rules

Another reason to consider an expert fence installation is to avoid suffering HOA penalties. An established fence installer will know the HOA rules for most communities in your city. They will verify those restrictions before planning your installation to avoid mistakes. Otherwise, your DIY fence installation might not meet basic community standards.

5. Digging Without Checking With Your Utility Companies

How many times have you seen “Call Before You Dig” signs in your neighborhood? These signs are common in every community because most property owners don’t know what’s buried on their property. Striking a cable or plumbing pipe as you excavate for fence posts can damage the utility systems for your home or your neighborhood.

More importantly, damaging some equipment can lead to injuries. Especially if you’re using metal tools to dig, hitting an electrical cable can lead to a mild to severe shock. Always contact your utility companies before digging anywhere on your property.

6. Neglecting the Need for Post Holes

As you plan your fence installation, measure the dimensions of your fence and compare them to the dimensions of your property. This will help you determine how many fence sections you’ll place between every two fence posts. If you fail to calculate these measurements, you might run out of room when you must insert shorter panel sections.

You’ll also have to plan out the location of each fence post. Improper measurements can leave you with too few posts or posts that run too close to one another. Measuring twice will help you avoid the need to remove and reinstall your fence posts.

7. Adopting a Poor Post-Setting Technique

One factor that pushes property owners to hire professional fence installers is the need to install secure fence posts. Your posts must be strong enough to hold up the panels in each connecting section. They must also withstand high winds, heavy rainfall, and other environmental factors.

If you plan to install your own fence, make sure the post holes are two feet or deeper. After inserting the post, pour gravel or concrete into the hole until the material is even with the surrounding soil. Give the concrete time to cure before hanging the panels between each post. This process anchors the posts for long-term durability.

8. Failing to Check the Soil Type and Grade

The type of soil on your property will affect the installation and longevity of the fence. For example, if the soil on your property is soft or sandy, you’ll need to dig deeper post holes and use more concrete for anchoring. Harder soil that has granite or a high clay content might require special excavation tools.

Consider the grade of the soil. When installing a fence on a hill or slope, make sure to adjust the angles of each post and panel. Otherwise, the fence might be unstable and fall apart soon after the installation.

Don’t Turn a Professional Job Into a DIY Project

East Georgia Fence can install a perimeter fence around your property. We’ll help you choose a durable fence that meets your needs for aesthetics, security, privacy, or noise reduction. We stand behind our work and install high-quality fencing materials so you can trust your fence will last for a lifetime. Request a free estimate to get started today!

The 8 Wrong Ways to Install a Fence