Installing a Fence
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Installing a Fence

Do you have a home that you need to protect? Before you invest in an alarm system or worry about a new front door, you might want to think about putting in a fence. Fences can be attractive, sturdy barriers that keep people out of your space, which can be really helpful for creating the kind of environment you are looking for. On this website, check out great information about how to install a fence with the help of the right professionals, how to proceed with your plans, and what to do when things don't turn out exactly like you might want them to. By making a few simple changes now, you could dramatically improve your future.

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Installing a Fence

What To Consider When Building A Privacy Fence

Ronald Bell

Do you want to add some privacy to your yard and build a fence around it? If so, you'll likely hire a fencing contractor to get this job done for you. However, there are a few things to consider when building a privacy fence that you need to be aware of. 

Local Regulations

There may be regulations in your city that prevent you from building a fence as tall as you want. That's why it is important to always pull a permit when building a fence to ensure that it doesn't need to be torn down because it violates those regulations.

The most common regulations that are going to be a problem for your privacy fence is the fence height. What makes it confusing is that there can be different regulations for different parts of your yard. For example, the most restrictive regulation may be for the front yard, with a taller fence allowed along the sides of your property that border your neighbor's yard. There may even be regulations that allow for a taller fence along the back of your property if it faces an ally. In addition, homeowner associations may have their own rules that are even more restrictive than city rules. 

While every city is different, it's possible that you could have a limit of a 4-foot fence for the front yard, a 6-foot fence for the sides, and an 8-foot fence along the alley. If those were the rules and you put up an 8-foot fence along the side of your yard, your neighbor could call the city building inspector and have them order you to remove the fence or shorten it. 

Neighbor Considerations

It's always important to talk to your neighbor when building a privacy fence to make sure that it is something that they are okay with. While nothing can stop you from building a fence on your own property, you may discover that they want a fence as well. You can use this to your advantage by splitting the cost and getting a fence that looks great on both sides. 

A shadowbox fence is a common style that neighbors use when neither wants to look at the bad side of a fence. It uses alternating boards so that the horizontal rail is partially shown. In addition, it prevents having a solid wall of fencing material, since some natural light will come through the fence through the very small gaps. Contact a fence contractor for more information.


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