What Can Go Wrong When Installing Your Own Fence

Think you can save money by installing your own fence? If so, you may find that you are in well over your head after you start the job. Here are some common problems that you can run into when performing your own fence installation.

Not Installing The Posts Deep Enough

They key to having a sturdy fence starts with the depth of your fence post installation. A good rule of thumb to follow is to place ⅓ of the fence post underground to give the fence stability. However, it helps if you are able to dig under the frost line so that the fence post has added stability.

In addition, many people do not realize that the corner posts need to be thicker and installed deeper than the rest of the posts. Not putting the corner post deep enough can lead to the post sagging over time as too much weight is placed on the post to support the rest of the fence. 

Not Creating A Straight Fence Line

One aspect of a fence installation that you do not want to eyeball is the location of the fence posts. Your goal will be to create a straight line so that you use the least amount of fencing material possible. Having curves in the fence will not only use more material but also cause the fence to lean in one direction. This will happen over time with how the wind hits the fence and can cause it to put all of the weight on a single post when it storms. 

Not Getting A Land Survey

It's crucial that you get a land survey performed prior to the fence installation. The last thing you want to have happen is to install a fence and discover it was accidentally placed on a neighbor's property. You'll then have the option to move the fence or go through the legal battle to try to prove that the fence is installed in the right place. The land survey will give you peace of mind that everything is installed correctly. 

Not Buying The Right Size Of Materials

There are actually restrictions on how high a fence can be in several areas of your yard. It is likely that your front yard will allow the shortest fencing material, medium-height fencing along the sides of the property with neighbors, and the tallest fencing near the back along an alley. Don't make the mistake of installing a fence that's too high, because a city inspector will easily be able to identify the problem and request that you fix it.

Work with a professional fence company to avoid making these mistakes.