Fencing in a yard seems like a simple project, right? Just hammer in a few posts, attach your fencing, and there you go.

Well, that’s one way of doing it… but it’s not the smartest.

Careful planning will save you tons of time, money and hassle once you actually install
your fence. Joe Raboine, Director of Belgard Residential Hardscapes, says what you must
research before fencing in your yard, and a few things to watch out for.

Laws and regulations

Ensure your plans comply with local regulations. Your homeowners association is the place
to start; most require an architectural review before approving new fence plans.
Interestingly, Joe points out, “The city will usually defer to the HOA.”

Property line

Determine your exact property line so you don’t accidentally install the fence on your next
door neighbor’s turf. Refer to the plat map (if it’s less than 5 years old) or hire a surveyor.
Local law might specify an additional setback of several inches to one foot.

Ground condition

Joe comments, “Soil can play a big part in your fence planning. With new construction, you
want to make sure the soil has settled. Otherwise, it should be thoroughly compacted.

Beyond that, depending on the region of the country, you may need to reinforce the fence
posts. If the soil is very solid, like a heavy clay, often you can just pack it around the posts.
But when it’s really sandy, you may have to use Sonotubes ™ filled with concrete to keep
the sand from collapsing while you prepare to set the posts.

Materials

Modern fencing options include natural wood, composite, vinyl, aluminum, steel, chain
link, wrought iron and bamboo. (Read more about fence materials here.)
Four essential factors will help narrow your choice:

1. Purpose: privacy, secure children’s play area, keeping animals in (or out), etc.
2. Budget
3. Taste and style
4. Amount of maintenance you’re willing to put into the finished product: eg. painting a
   wood fence

Flores Fences

Beaco Journal