It’s a great time to think about installing a fence—so here are insights from one of the top fence installers in Hampton Roads!
August is one of the most popular months of the year to buy a new home, especially in military-heavy Hampton Roads. Parents want their kids to be all settled in before the new school year starts, and it’s a great time to send them out into the yard while summer warmth is still at hand. It’s no surprise, therefore, that one of the first improvements that many new Hampton Roads homeowners make is to install a fence—or repair an existing one.
Whether it’s to enhance privacy, protect your kids and pets, wall off your garden or add curb appeal, installing a fence is a significant investment. Many homeowners think this is a simple decision, until they realize how many materials, styles, colors and heights they have to choose from. Then there’s the property-line considerations, utilities and trees to work around, HOA requirements to consider, neighbors to consult… it can be overwhelming, That’s why it’s important to be well informed before you embark on a fencing project.
As a leading fence contractor in Hampton Roads, Quality Built Exteriors understand the importance of making informed choices to ensure your fence not only meets your needs but also follows regulations. I asked them what considerations homeowner should think about before they call a fence contractor:
1. Purpose of the Fence
First things first… consider why you’re planning to install a new fence. Is it for safety? Aesthetics? Privacy? Pet protection? Keeping critters out of your garden? Safety around a pool? Different fence types serve varying purposes, so clarifying your objective is crucial to selecting the right fence style for your property. The purpose your new fence will serve can help you determine the correct materials to use, height to build, and style to create.
In this photo, you can see my Virginia Peninsula home’s original privacy fence (great scalloped design!), and then the DIY fence pen that I made from old pallets to conceal our small boat from view. I had considered having a professional fence added there, but in my case, I wanted it to be easily removable, so the pallets are held up by poles that go into PVC pipes in the ground. To have full boat access, I simply lift them out and pull away the pallets, or for simple access, the two on the end are set with hinges to function as a gate. I painted the pallets with the same stain as my regular fence, and lined them with faux ivy for aesthetics and to keep the boat from being visible through the gaps. A few decorative pencil hollys on the side, and bam, I have a beautiful space!
2. Your Style and Your Property
You have to coordinate the fence material and color with the architectural aesthetics of your home and any existing structures (porch, deck, etc), while also adapting to the shape and limitations of your property (such as a tree on the property line as shown above, which Quality Built expertly incorporated!).
The fence material you select can significantly enhance the overall visual appeal of your property. Is your home more traditional or modern? Neutral or bright and colorful? For a more cohesive look, you’ll want to choose a fence style and material that harmonizes with the existing design.
For standard fences, the options are simple: wood, vinyl or metal for the material and privacy, semi-privacy, or rail for the style. The most common is, by far, the 6-foot wood privacy fence.
Wood fences have many benefits over vinyl and metal. Not only are they more affordable, but homeowners have the ability to customize them with paint, stain, shape, etc. Wood fences are extremely versatile and can be made to really stand out with the addition of lattice, a decking board top, custom gates, shape cut-outs and much more.
Semi-private fences, such as the ever-popular wood picket style, are the most labor intensive to install. This is why big-box stores sell this style as panels, to make the job easier. Picket fences do provide a barrier to keep kids and pets inside, but the wide gaps do not provide any level of privacy.
While cheaper to install, rail fences are not as functional as the other two styles and provide no privacy at all. Because of this, they are typically used for horses and cattle or as a decorative feature to delineate a property line.
3. Fence Budget and Add-ons
Next, you’ll need to determine your budget for the fencing project and explore add-ons you may not have considered. Did you know there are many fun extras that can be included, such as “pet peeks” for for your fur-babies, arbors for a touch of elegance, or Magnalatch that adults can open but kids can’t? It’s best to speak with an experienced fence contractor before finalizing your budget, so you can be sure to factor these customization costs in up front, which will ensure you are satisfied with the final result.
4. DIY vs. Professional Fence Installation
You’ll next need to decide whether you want to take on your fence installation yourself or hire a contractor. DIY installations can save money but require adequate skills and time. Projects with tricky topography, unique materials or specialty requests are best handled by a professional. Most reputable contractors include permits, material purchases and deliveries with the fence construction itself, saving you tons of time and hassle along the way. And most importantly, professionals know how to install to the local permit standards… did you know that in most of Hampton Roads, fence posts must be set 2 feet deep? Our unique climate and soil composition come with unique requirements for durability.
The bottom line: For a hassle-free and expertly done job, entrust the task to experienced professionals.
5. Yard Slope and Grade
Now come a few not-so-fun considerations. You or your fence contractor will need to assess the topography of your yard. Is it flat, sloped or uneven? While Hampton Roads yards are generally flat—thanks to living directly at sea level—there are still a surprising number of grading issues to be found. Grading impacts the installation process and can influence the choice of fencing materials available for your property. In cases of steep slopes, some fences may require stepped or racked panels to follow the terrain properly. Irregularly shaped yards can also be tricky to fence. So if your yard is not relatively flat and straight, you’ll want to consider hiring a professional for the installation.
For some unique ideas for fencing a sloped yard, check out this article by Aus Tex Fence & Deck. See any you like? Call us and we’ll customize a solution for your yard.
6. Fence Maintenance Requirements
Different fencing materials come with varying maintenance demands. Wood fences need regular pressure washing and sealing, staining or painting to prevent warping, discoloration and wood rot. Vinyl and metal fences generally require less upkeep, but look more obviously “dirty” when not regularly rinsed or scrubbed. You’ll want to factor in the time, money and effort you’re willing to invest in maintenance when selecting the right material for your new fence.
7. HOA Rules and Local Fence Ordinances
Before finalizing your fence design, you or your contractor should check with your homeowners association. Some neighborhoods have specific guidelines concerning fence height, material and style.
You’ll also want to call your city or county’s zoning office for details on any regulations or restrictions that may apply. Many localities require fence permits, and some even dictate certain design specifications. For example, some require the fence posts and supports be seen only from the inside and not face outward where neighbors can see them. If your fence will surround a pool, many localities require it to be a certain height and have slats that are close enough to keep small children safely out of the area.
8. Desired Level of Privacy
Trying to get a few moments of peace from those prying neighbors? Or do you enjoy a more “Tim & Wilson” type of relationship? Privacy needs vary from one homeowner to another. If privacy is a top priority, consider taller fence options with minimal gaps between panels. For a more open feel, opt for picket fences or designs with decorative cutouts or windows. If complete privacy is what you desire, consider board-on-board fence, which doesn’t have any gaps at all between the boards.
9. Pops of Personality
While there is definitely something to be said for cohesiveness, your fence is an extension of your property and should reflect your personal style. If you’re looking to make a bolder statement, consider using unique materials like stone, branches, reclaimed pallets or repurposed surfboards. Not only do these materials add character to your property, but they also contribute to sustainable practices.
Another way to set your fence apart is to simply switch the pattern. Install the planks horizontally instead of the traditional vertical pattern for a modern look that provides almost full privacy.
For a fun and eclectic look, why not paint a mural on your new fence or install colorful marbles in the wood that will create rainbows across your yard in the sunlight? The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your fence. Be creative and check out Pinterest for even more unique ideas.
Putting up a fence requires thoughtful consideration of many factors to achieve the desired outcome. By defining your objectives, assessing your property’s characteristics, and selecting the right materials and style, you’ll ensure that your fence not only fulfills its purpose but also adds value and charm to your home. Don’t forget to consult local regulations and, if needed, enlist the expertise of a professional fence contractor to make the process seamless and successful.
If you need assistance with your fencing project, Quality Built’s team of experts is just a call away! Contact them today to start transforming your property with the perfect fence.