Before you go to the hardware store and buy any old fencing, STOP! There are several factors you need to consider before making your home fencing purchase!
The time has come for your fence to be erected, but where do you start? It isn’t always as simple as picking out a style of fencing you like on lifestyle blogs and home improvement websites; installing a fence requires thought and planning. Home fencing isn’t cheap so it is important you do it right the first time!
Things you should know about selecting your home fencing
There are many reasons a homeowner wants a fence installed. This could be as simple as adding some privacy to their home, or containing a yard space for the safety of children and pets. The decision might also be based on visual appeal. Whatever your motive is, doing it well, with the addition of landscaped gardens, can result in your property value increasing. It is crucial you take these factors into consideration when selecting your home fencing.
Style preference
Odds are you have been planning what you want your fence to look like since you built or purchased your home. By now you would have a pretty good idea of what style of fencing you want. Before you commit and make the final decision, make sure you have another search around as new styles are created daily! There are many types of fencing with similar practical benefits, although the visual appeal may differ.
Concrete panels and steel with vertical timber slats are an old favourite look that just keeps on impressing. These styles offer privacy but also block out a lot of natural light. This limits the view of passers-by, but may also restrict your view. On the plus side, it’s low maintenance and can be cleaned easily.
The traditional white picket fence is a popular option, creating a quaint, charming feel, like a home from a movie set. These are right back in fashion, especially for suburban homes looking to embrace a classic feel. The wooden picket fence offers homeowners the reassurance that their children and pets are safe without obscuring any views of the street or surrounding area.
Gabion fencing is also on the rise due to its solid foundations, modern appearance and minimal maintenance. It offers all the benefits that the traditional fencing provides while giving your home a contemporary feel.
Costs initial vs ongoing
Fences vary in price according to the costs of materials, labour and other supplies. Beyond this, you then have to consider what costs will be incurred for ongoing maintenance.
Gabion fencing is one of the most affordable fencing alternatives and requires no ongoing maintenance. A concrete panel fence will cost you a lot more upfront than a timber fence, but it will never require sanding and painting. Will you be painting your fence in the latest on trend colour? Add the cost of paint, rollers, brushes – and time – to the list.
Longevity, maintenance and replacements
Home fencing is not cheap to install. So what happens when your fence needs repairs or replacement? Can you afford it and are the supplies readily available?
Concrete fences typically last for decades due to their solid foundations, making them a good investment. On the other hand, if sections of your fence ever do need repairing, it isn’t as simple as replacing one piece. It will more often than not require a large portion to be pulled out and replaced with a new panel entirely.
Wooden fences, regardless whether they are picket or lapped and capped, are easier and more affordable to repair or replace. While they may require significantly more ongoing maintenance than other styles of home fencing to prevent rotting and warping, individual pieces can be swapped out with ease.
If your gabion fencing is unfortunately damaged, it is generally a simple fix. Replace the damaged wire and pack the rocks in tight. Even if the worst happened and you had to replace the entire cage, it would not set you back as much of your hard-earned money as some other fencing styles.
Local council requirements and estate guidelines
Different rules and regulations are implemented depending on your zone, local council and potentially the estate you reside in. Some councils state that your fence cannot be any higher than 2 metres tall and your front fence no higher than 1.5 metres tall, for example. In some cases, estates or body corporate arrangements can dictate the colour or materials used in your fencing.
A housing estate may stipulate that all garden fences must be wood ‘lapped and capped’ or Colorbond in a particular colour. If your estate has guidelines like this in place, the only decision you have to make is which contractor you will hire to install your fence.
How long will it take to install?
The timing of building a fence will be determined by the style of fence you want, your location and how accessible your yard may be for the delivery of supplies and equipment.
Naturally, fences containing concrete panels will take longer to install as the concrete must dry before any further work can be done. Wooden fences are generally completed over the space of two days (depending on quantity required); one day to set the fence posts and the other day to install the timber.
Always choose a fencing installer who is happy to provide a realistic timeframe. Ask around, or check out online reviews, to ensure you have found a contractor with experience in meeting deadlines.
Choosing your fencing contractors
Do your research when it comes to who you use to install your home fencing. Only use reputable and recommended tradespeople. They may be more expensive, but paying a little bit more initially could save you thousands in the long term. Your home is an investment, so be sure you only use quality materials and experienced contractors to get your home fencing done right!
For home fencing that completes your home’s exterior, contact the professional team at FenceCorp a call today on (07) 3715 5055.