Adding a privacy fence to your Evansville Indiana property increases its value and provides you with added security. At first glance, installing a fence is a project that can be a bit of an intimidating investment in both time and money, and both are determined by whether you are hiring a contractor or taking the DIY route.
Total cost also depends on the type of fence material you use and the area you are fencing off, but there are many other considerations you need to make in advance, too. Here is some great information you should know before you install a privacy fence at your Evansville Indiana residential or commercial property.
Know Your Actual Property Lines, Local Fence Regulations and Building Codes
Most municipalities have building codes enforcing fence building on private residential and commercial properties. If you are building a privacy fence because you have a swimming pool on the property, there may also be specific requirements for that fence. You may also need to apply for a building permit and have it approved before you can begin installing your new fence.
Your first call after your permit is approved should be to your local utility companies. Any buried cables or electrical lines need to be clearly marked before you begin digging. Hiring a contractor simplifies this process significantly. They can advise you about town-specific installation issues that may come up during your fence project.
Finally, your property line should be verified so that your fence is installed within the legal boundaries of your residence. Fence installation companies also come in handy with this process since they can pull the Savanna public records and ensure your fence ends up on your property and not your neighbor’s. Do your research first. There’s no reason to get tangled up in an easily avoidable legal dispute.
Know How a Fence Will Affect Your Neighbors
Discuss your privacy fence project with your neighbors before you start marking off utility and property lines. It’s a good idea to stake off your property boundaries according to the plot plan from your municipality. Keep in mind that not every residential property has perfectly rectangular lines, and your stakes may not follow straight lines all around the property. This is another consideration where it is helpful to have a contractor working for you, as they are experienced at laying out even, level properly line stakes that protect you and your neighbors from any legal disputes.
As part of your discussion with your neighbors, you need to inform them of the fence heights along their shared boundaries. If you are installing a high fence, you will want to ensure it is not going to interfere with any desirable views from their home. You have a right to your privacy, but being considerate of how your fence height affects your neighbors is important, as well. Should one of your neighbors object, you may choose to vary the fence height in different places, as needed.
Know Your Maintenance Cost
Wooden fences are beautiful and attractive, but many have finishes that need to be renewed periodically to prevent aging and damage due to weather. If you intend to paint your fence, it will need repainting from time to time. Certain fence materials have significantly lower maintenance costs, so you may want to give some thought to the type of fencing you plan to install.
Knowing your maintenance cost in advance is essential to getting the right fence for your Evansville Indiana home. Experienced contractors usually do a lot of fence repair and maintenance as well, and they can advise you about the maintenance cost of your choice in materials, too.
Know What Fence Material is Best for Your Needs
There are many fence building materials available in thousands of finishes and colors. Choosing the right one for your home can seem daunting, and it’s helpful to have advice from an experienced installation company so that you get the maximum lifespan out of your privacy fence.
Aluminum and vinyl fences both provide excellent value and do not require periodic refinishing or refurbishment. Moreover, they can provide both sound dampening and visual privacy at an affordable cost. Ultimately you want to choose the fence that suits the visual design you have for your home, but do not overlook materials because you do not think they will fit your home’s aesthetic. You may be surprised when choosing materials with your contractor just how many options you have for inexpensive and durable fence materials.
Learn How the Local Climate Will Affect Your Fence
The weather in Indiana can be tough on all kinds of building materials, regardless of their type or finish. It also tends to be hard on your fence posts, as the annual cycle of freezing, thawing and rainfall causes ground shifting over time. A professionally installed fence using high-quality aluminum fencing or vinyl fencing is far less susceptible to weather damage and ground shift, making it a great choice for the Evansville Indiana climate. Moreover, if the work has a warranty, any ground shifting or problems with the installation are covered.
Know the Size and Number of Gates and Removable Panels You Will Need
Most homeowners install at least two gates when they install a new privacy fence. This depends on the size of the property and how it is accessed. You may also want to consider installing a removable fence panel so that you can drive large vehicles in and out of your yard as needed. This feature is also popular with RV owners who park their vehicles on the property.
Final Thoughts
Getting the perfect privacy fence installed on your property is just a matter of patient planning and well-advised choices. If you are considering a privacy fence for your home in the Evansville Indiana area, contact the experts at Mr. Fence. We have the professional expertise and highly experienced staff you need to install a privacy fence that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more.
