When you install a new fence for your home, you can transform the look of the garden and provide more privacy and safety. With that, it’s also possible to raise the value of your property.

However, many homeowners tend to make the same mistakes, especially if they’re not familiar with the basic principles of fencing. It’s often better to hire fence builders who know what they’re doing. That way, you do things right the first time.

If it’s not done correctly, you may have to spend more money on fencing services. Ultimately, it’s better to focus on these top five garden fencing tips to help you avoid mistakes. That way, when discussing your needs with garden fence companies, you know what you require and can order confidently.

1. Do You Need Planning Permission?

Before Ascot garden fence companies do any work, they should find out if you need proper planning permissions to build your fence. Most countries and states have specific rules for fencing on properties. If you disobey them, you could get fined or have other legal issues.

For example, some rules state that you must have planning permissions if you want to install a fence that’s over 2 meters high or 1 meter high when it adjoins a footpath or road.

In general, it is not the fence builders’ job to know the rules in your area. Though they should, and qualified professionals do, it’s ultimately your responsibility to know what’s required in your location.

2. Explore the Property’s Boundaries

You probably have the proper boundaries set for your property if you’re replacing an old Ascot fence that has been there a while. However, it’s still a good idea to double-check the boundary lines. That way, you don’t build over a neighbour’s property before starting any work.

Ultimately, building over the property line damages the relationship you have with your neighbours. However, they could take you to court and make you pay restitution or remove the fence from the property. That means you’ve got to pay for damages caused to their yard and reinstall your fence.

Most fencing services can help you figure out where to go to get property boundary information. Ultimately, it’s an avoidable expense, but it does happen more often than you probably imagine.

You may get permission from the neighbour to build a fence larger than your property if you want. However, many people value their properties and want to keep their title plan intact.

3. Plan the Fence Thoroughly

The easiest way to make sure you don’t buy too many fencing materials is to measure and plan the fence correctly. When you know your property boundaries, you can determine where the property begins and ends. From there, you must assess those boundaries and find any utility lines and obstructions.

This might mean that you’re building the fence around or behind trees and around underground utilities, such as electric, cable, or gas lines. If you cut into any utility lines, it could be very dangerous and expensive to repair!

It’s often better to hire garden fence companies to plan and measure the fence, marking corners with stakes. Then, they use string to give you a basic idea of the length and width of your fence.

When things are measured properly at the beginning, you don’t spend more than necessary on materials. With that, you protect your utilities and those of your neighbours. If possible, you may want to use a smartphone app that helps you determine fencing measurements. That way, you have an idea before you hire the fence builders to take over.

4. Always Use Galvanized Nails to Prevent Rusting

When it’s time to buy the materials necessary to install the fence, make sure that you use galvanized nails. They are more expensive, but they are virtually rust-proof. If you don’t, you may find that the nails rust out quicker, which leaves stains on the wood and shortens the fence’s lifespan.

Quality fencing services often recommend galvanized nails, but it is up to the buyer to make the final decision. Therefore, you may request other types of nails, but you run the risk of having them rust and replacing the fence/nails more often.

5. Research the Many Fence Post Systems

It’s crucial to research various fence post systems to avoid any costly mistakes. The fence post you choose directly impacts the price you pay – in the short and long term.

Therefore, you need to think about maintenance, materials, installation, durability, and the lifespan of the items. From there, you can choose a cost-effective option that meets your needs.

The three main fence post types include steel, wood, and concrete. If you’re unsure of what you need, the fence builders you hire can help you choose.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t rush the fencing project. Make sure that you research your options, take your time, and get quotes from two or three garden fence companies.

That way, you have the information needed and can save money and time while reducing aggravations that often come from first-time fence installers.