Installing your own fence is a very satisfying DIY project, but before you start digging post holes and pouring concrete, there are many things that need to be planned from the beginning to make sure your fence does what it is supposed to do, but also complies with local regulations in Brisbane.
Check local regulations
For most fences built in Brisbane, planning permission is NOT required if the fence is
- Part of an associated home
- No higher than 2 metres
- Not interfering with runoff from neighbouring homes
- Not part of a retaining wall.
If your home is built on a corner lot, the fence must still provide a clear line of vision around the corner for pedestrians and motorists. See the Brisbane City Council website for the full options about fences built on corner lots.
Is your home on a sloped block?
Our pre constructed fence panels we sell here at Fence Corp are able to accommodate sloped blocks of land by using a stair step design which also makes for a far easier installation on sloped blocks. For people that prefer the fence to follow the exact contours of the land, a racking technique will need to be used – which is more commonly achieved with component fencing. Component fencing is where individual pieces are attached one at a time – most common in wooden fences.
What do you want your fence to do?
This will help you find the best fence design for your needs. If you want the fence as a garden feature, decorative fences are best for keeping children and pets inside the home, but do not offer the privacy benefits of privacy screen fencing. If the fencing is for a pool, the benefits of glass pool fencing are an affordable and stylish option too good to ignore. You also want the fence to match with the existing landscaping and style of your home.
Speak to your neighbours
If your fence is built along a boundary line, make sure to speak to your neighbours and agree where the exact boundary line is. If this cannot be agreed upon, a surveyor can be brought in to determine the exact boundary, for which the cost is equally split between neighbours. In many instances, if the right process is followed the neighbours will be required to pay half of the fencing costs. Fence Corp has put together a guide to approach the area of building fences with your neighbours and how to deal with fencing disputes
Dial before you dig!
Before you start digging the holes for your fence it’s a very wise idea to call Queensland Urban Utilities to find out if there are any underground utilities which could be damaged and supply you with underground infrastructure plans for your property. Click here for more information
Congratulations! After following these steps you’re well on your way to building a fantastic fence and taken the necessary measures to avoid the potential pitfalls people encounter when building a fence. For more advice on designing, building and getting the best fencing materials for your new fence, contact the Brisbane fencing experts at Fence Corp today.