Carrying out your own landscaping can involve gardening, paving, decking, lighting, and much, much more. It can also mean fencing, which can be a significant undertaking for any homeowner.
While hiring a landscaping team can make the entire process a whole lot easier, it’s okay to want to do it yourself. In saying that, when it comes to fencing, there are some common mistakes you may want to avoid. Read on to find out what those are.
Not Knowing Where Your Property Boundary Is
When the time comes to put up a new boundary fence, don’t assume that the current boundary is the actual boundary. Long-ago handshake agreements between previous neighbours may have resulted in more space being allocated to you or your neighbour that you may not have known about.
Before erecting a new fence, check your property title and boundary. Take the correct measurements and place the new fence in the right place. Going by the current boundary may result in boundary disputes in the years to come.
Failing to Check in with the Utility Company
If you are going to be digging into the ground to install fence posts, then a friendly phone call to your utility company won’t go astray. Pipes and wires are hidden underground for a variety of reasons, so being aware of these can save you from costly repairs.
Putting Your Gate in the Wrong Place
Building a new fence can take a lot of thought. You have to consider your budget, the materials, and how you plan on installing it. Equally as important, though, is the gate. Where is the most natural place for it to sit? Front entrance gates should, ideally, be as close to the main door to the house as possible. Driveway gates should, of course, sit in front of the driveway for easy driving access.
Not Putting Fence Posts in Deep Enough
When you hire landscaping experts, they take great care to make sure your fence posts can handle the load of your fence. Doing it yourself requires the same attention to detail. Fence posts need to be both strong enough and deep enough to remain sturdy for years to come. The heavier your fence materials, the bulkier your fence posts need to be.
Being Aware of Boundary Rules and Regulations
Every state and territory in Australia has a fencing act of some kind. Don’t assume that what’s valid in New South Wales, for example, is the same in Tasmania or Victoria. Familiarise yourself with local council regulations so that you’re installing gates and fences to the letter of the law.
In most states, though, there are relatively basic steps to take if you and your neighbours can’t come to an agreement over fencing. Before you even decide on a type of fence, read through all relevant information to save costly changes down the line.
Fencing your property can offer many benefits, such as privacy, pet security, and child safety. However, it can be quite a significant undertaking without the help of a landscaping and fencing team. If you are tackling the task on your own, be aware of these points above. Otherwise, consider getting the experts involved.
