Just as with other home improvement projects like remodeling and landscaping, a lot can go wrong with a fence installation if you jump in unprepared. While the budget needed for a fence installation is relatively modest compared with other home investments, nobody wants to spend more money and time than is necessary. Knowing these common mistakes will help you get it right the first time when building a fence for your Colorado property.
Not Thoroughly Researching Fence Types
Buyer’s remorse is real, and it doesn’t just apply to purchasing items like fancy FIATs. In such a situation, the consumer most often won’t regret buying a car (he still needs to get from point A to point B); he’ll merely regret buying that particular car.
The same holds true for fencing; you do need a fence, but you want to assess which fence you want carefully. First, consider your primary fence installation purpose (privacy, safety, decoration, etc.). Then, research each residential fencing type’s primary advantages and uses, such as cedar, vinyl, Trex, rail, iron, chain link, masonry, and maintenance requirements.
Finally, don’t forget to research the quality of your sellers’ and installers’ products. Remember that buyer’s remorse can just as easily apply to under-spending as overspending, so don’t buy a fence that doesn’t satisfy your needs just to save some change.
Not Checking HOA and Zoning Restrictions
Before you become too invested in the idea of installing a specific type of fence, be sure to check HOA and zoning restrictions. There may be limitations on your fence’s material, height, and location, both for private and commercial properties.
Not Discussing the Project with Neighbors
At first glance, this mistake may sound a little odd. After all, if the fence is on your property, why should your neighbor care? From a relational standpoint, however, it’s often smart to involve your neighbors in building a fence, even if that means merely telling them that you’re installing it, when, and why. Communicating on such a basic level can work wonders in preempting potential offense and preserving neighborly harmony.
Doing it Yourself
An exciting movement has encouraged DIY projects in recent years, fostering creativity and independence in many areas. Every trend, however, should be adopted in moderation, and DIY initiatives in particular are better undertaken when you thoroughly understand the expertise needed to see projects through in a quality manner.
When it comes to fencing, there are multiple complexities and complications, and you may be surprised by how easy it is to mis-measure, order the wrong materials, not know how to install on an incline or with impediments in the fence path, etc.
Additionally, you’ll of course need to purchase or have access to tools that will, for instance, enable you to dig a fence post deep enough to make it stable. Due to the multiplicity of such intricacies, you’ll often save yourself a headache by hiring a professional and competent contractor with a well-established work history.
Choosing the Wrong Contractor
Not all fencing companies are created equal. Make sure you thoroughly research your fencing contractors, and choose a contractor who cares for the community, your fence, and your home goals. Contact our expert team by calling our office (303) 791-1997 or filling out our online form. Let our expertise guide you through your project.
