Choosing the right fence can enhance your home, improve privacy, and add security. However, there are many factors to consider, from understanding your needs and researching materials to understanding regulations and getting creative with designs.

Whether you need to create a secluded garden space, block chilly winds, mask a street view, or secure your pool, we’ve got you covered.

Understand Your Needs

Whether you want to add security, privacy or curb appeal to your property, installing the right fence can make all the difference. From the zigzag post-and-rail of Colonial times to elaborate molded vinyl styles, there are many options, but understanding your needs can help you narrow your selection.

Consider your fence’s primary purpose, as this will guide you to the height, material and design that best meets your goals. For example, if you aim to keep children and pets from wandering too far into the street or yard, a wooden-split rail fence will work better than wrought iron or aluminum. For something more secure, security fences might be just what you need to keep your property safe.

It would help if you also considered your home’s style – a traditional farmhouse or ranch-style house may look best with a wood fence, while a modern row house will be better suited to an ornamental metal one.

Research the Materials

Installing a fence is a great way to add security and privacy to your home. However, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right type. Before starting construction, knowing what your fence needs regarding supplies and laws is important, which you can learn from a trustworthy fence supply store.

Start by determining your primary purpose for the fence to help narrow down your options. From there, you can choose from concrete fence posts, wrought iron, steel, aluminum, wood, and chain link fences.

A torpedo level, a post hole digger and a digging/tamping bar will be necessary for building your fence. It would help if you also researched the climate, as different temperatures can affect fence lifespans. For example, wooden fences may degrade in rainy or humid environments. On the other hand, metal fences are more tolerant of temperature changes and do not degrade with age.

Understand Regulations

Zoning and neighborhood rules regulate fencing height, material type, and style in many communities. Ask your city or neighborhood for details. Some communities require that fences be set back from sidewalks or property lines. Others may not allow certain types of fences at all, such as barbed wire or electrified fences. If your property is in an HOA community, check with the board to see what fences are allowed.

Then, find out if you need to submit construction plans and get a building permit for your new fence. Also, check with your neighbors to ensure you are not infringing on their side of the fence line. Hiring a professional to do a property survey may be best.

Get Creative

A fence is an important investment if you’re looking to increase your property value, add privacy and security or improve your curb appeal. It is a big decision, so it’s important to consider all the options available.

A well-designed and properly installed fence can dramatically alter the appearance of your home, adding to its overall value and improving “curb appeal.” It would help if you chose a style that fits the architectural design of your home and the landscaping.

Color and texture are also important considerations when choosing a fence. Using a unique color or adding a texture will give your fence a more custom look. The right fence can provide added security, privacy and beauty to your property for years.

Choose a Fence Company

When choosing a fence company, you must ensure they can meet your needs. This includes scheduling a time for an estimate promptly, providing financing options (if necessary) and answering any questions you may have.

It’s also important that the fence company has a good reputation in the community and has been in business for a long time. This ensures that they are a legitimate company and will be around to warranty their work in the future.

A qualified fence contractor will have a website that displays their qualifications, years of experience and reviews. They should also have a physical address and be willing to share this information with you. This helps you avoid “two-guys-and-a-truck” fence contractors who disappear after they complete the job.