1. Do I Need a Fence?
Installing a fence around your property provides protection and privacy from passersby and neighbors. When properly built, fences have aesthetic appeal as they can help to train climbing plants that decorate your home. Consider installing a fence for the following reasons:
- It’s a great deterrent for intruders, trespassers, and wild animals
- It protects your children from the busy roads
- It can improve your home’s value
- It becomes easy to install electrical fencing
- It clearly defines your property’s boundaries
Once you secure your property with fence installations, you can convert your home to a peaceful haven that provides a safe play environment for your kids. Such containment is critical since you can keep an eye on them while preventing entry from strangers.
2. How Much Will Fencing Cost?
The type and design of your fence installations will have a significant impact on the overall cost. A split rail wood fence is relatively easy and cheap to construct. You can even save more money if you choose two rails instead of three.
The cost of your fence will depend on:
- The overall length and height, as the pricing is done per linear foot
- The type of fencing material
- The slope (steep properties require grading)
- The style and design (simple fences are cheaper to install)
The distance between the posts will also have an impact. Most posts are 8 to 12 feet apart although you can increase the spacing to 15 feet to reduce the cost.
3. Which Is the Cheapest Fencing Material?
Chain link fencing is significantly cheaper than other fencing options that provide the same benefits in terms of visibility and strength. The precast concrete poles that support the chain link fencing are maintenance-free, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing. Whatever the height, these weather-resistant poles are available in various options to suit your specifications.
If you are using timber poles, you need to invest in the right anti-termite treatment solution. Soak the posts in a copper naphthenate solution to prevent termites and apply engine oil to avoid dampness.
The ideal way to improve the longevity of your fence installations is to fix the posts at the proper depth. A typical 200mm-wide post needs to sit in a 600mm deep hole if you are building a 2000mm high fence. Most homeowners prefer chain link fencing for the following reasons:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Quick installation
- Durability
- Ease of repair and maintenance
You need to install tension wire to reinforce the bottom of your fence line. The tension wire significantly improves durability by preventing the fence installations from sagging or loosening over time. If you plan to install an electric fence, you need a ground wire to protect the occupants from electrical shocks.
3. Do You Provide a Written Contract?
A written contract creates a working relationship that protects both you and the fencing company. While you add the cost of labor and the standard charges that might be necessary to undertake the job, it’s easy to develop a cost estimate. The fencing company should offer an estimate that outlines the number of materials used and their respective costs.
Also, you’ll need a program of work that outlines how long every activity will take. The program is essential because:
- It helps to estimate the duration of your project
- It helps you to avail the necessary materials beforehand
A professional fencing company will complete the project as per the schedule unless unavoidable delays occur. Avoid digging the holes during the rainy season as you’ll struggle to secure the poles firmly on the ground.
4. What Permits Do I Need for This Project?
Since the 1.8m-high fences are regarded as minor building works, they might not require architectural plans. However, you might need some permits before installing the fence.
If your fence is offensive or illegal, your neighbor has the right to complain. The best way to avoid such complaints is to ensure that you build in your property. Even if you have clear property boundaries, the footings and columns could be wider than the wall.
So, insist on a 200mm setback to avoid boundary disputes down the road. Before you excavate your property, check whether your neighbor has any buildings close to the boundary. The law protects such buildings from structural damage, so find out whether you need to construct a retaining wall.
The permits you might need include:
- Road reserves
- Riparian reserves
- Copy of deed plan
- Consent from neighbors (give one month’s notice)
- Ask the council about setbacks to the boundary line
- Contact the utility companies
It’s vital for the utility companies to mark the buried utility lines before you can start digging the posts. You might also need some permits before you install the electric fencing above the wall. Some features pose health risks to your neighbors, and it’s vital to identify the devices that your local council recommends.
