If you’ve decided to put up a fence somewhere on your property, you may be surprised at just how many options you have available to you in terms of the style and materials you can choose from. Any fence you opt with should meet your needs, while also delivering the aesthetic value you’ve been looking for.
Other factors to consider include the amount of ongoing maintenance needed for certain types of fences (compared to the amount you’re willing to do), as well as the costs of the fencing and any neighborhood restrictions you need to take into account (especially if you’re a member of a homeowners’ association).
Here are just a few tips to help you choose the right kind of fence for your property.
- Focus on your needs: There are many different reasons homeowners install fences. Sometimes it’s simply for visual appeal. Other times, it’s for practical reasons, such as the safety of pets and children. Focus on the main reasons why you’re installing your particular fence and make sure you opt for a fence that delivers on your needs. If, for example, you’re installing a fence primarily for privacy, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to choose a chain link or picket fence; you’re going to want something a little larger and more opaque. Aesthetics can still be a consideration in your choice, so long as they are made within the lens of the type of fence you actually need.
- Work with a good contractor: If you’ve selected a good contractor to handle your fence installation, they’ll be able to give you some solid recommendations about the kind of fence that will best meet your needs. In addition, they’ll also be able to pull any permits you need from your local municipality, as well as any surveys that might be on record that indicate exactly where your property boundaries lie.
- Think carefully about maintenance: As we alluded to earlier, one of the primary considerations that will go into your choice of fence is the amount of maintenance that will be needed to keep the fence in good condition for years to come. Exactly how much maintenance are you willing to perform? Some materials, like vinyl or aluminum, require next to nothing in the way of ongoing upkeep, which can make those types of fences attractive to homeowners who don’t want extra work. Wood fences require a bit more maintenance in terms of repainting and refinishing, but they offer extra value and a more classic kind of appearance.
- HOA restrictions: Do you live in an area like a homeowners’ association (HOA) or other type of community in which there are restrictions about the improvements you can or can’t make with your property? If so, you should make sure any fence you’re going to build aligns with the organization’s standards for height, materials and other issues before you actually begin construction. Otherwise you could find yourself having to tear it down and start over, or you could be on the hook for some significant fines.
These are just a few of the things you should keep in mind as you choose the kind of fence you’re going to install on your property. For more information about fence installation in Carlsbad, NM and the factors you’ll have to consider before getting started, we encourage you to contact our team today with any questions you have about your upcoming fence job.