Do I need a permit to put a fence around my yard?
It has been said that fences make the best neighbors, but is that your concern for your home fence plans? Depending on where you live will determine the residential fence design best suited for your home fence.
When deciding on the design and style of a residential fence and gate system, homeowners have several questions, understandably. We’re going to answer a few of them here based on answers from several residential fence companies and residential fence builders that focus on home fence designs and needs.
This can depend on where you live. A home fence is considered to be a permanent and prominent fixture, creating a visual impact on the property and surrounding neighborhood. If you live within city limits or within a development, building a home fence without a permit could get you cited and fined.
There are zoning laws within most municipalities that enforce the height, materials, and sometimes the style of a home fence. This is especially so for houses in a historic district. The city office will have a P&Z department (planning and zoning), which is where building permits are usually filed and processed.
Once your plans have been approved, you’ll be given a piece of paper that should be placed in a prominent place that shows you have the city’s permission. You will also be given documents with the regulations and rules as they apply to your home fence request.
What is the easiest fence to install?
There styles and types of home fences are many, so we’re going to look at three of the most popular choices, all of which can be installed by a homeowner that is DIY driven and trying to save a few dollars:
The Picket Fence
An American classic seen in almost every Hallmark or Lifetime movie and television show. This borders your property for clear message “this is my property”, yet still allows you to be neighborly and chat with others in your neighborhood.
Wood was used for the picket fence for decades, but today, vinyl is the preferred material. It is durable but lightweight and easy to install. The fence posts can be installed in a few hours and then the vinyl pickets are inserted into pre-made slots. With one day for most homes, you have a beautiful home fence that will last for years with little maintenance.
The Privacy Fence
The privacy fence is a popular home fence style, installed by a contractor or by the homeowner. With a wide choice in colors, designs, heights, and styles, this home fence can match any architectural style for a moderate expense.
The vinyl is a modern material that provides reliability at a good value. A vinyl privacy home fence offers privacy when there is a swimming pool, keeps the backyard safe, and provides a level of protection from the wind. Installing a vinyl privacy home fence only requires one tool that isn’t in the typical homeowner’s toolbox: A vinyl notching tool. After purchasing that one tool, a homeowner will find that the vinyl privacy home fence is easy to install and will give you years of enjoyment.
The Ornamental Iron Fence
This will give you a beautiful and stylish home fence that will make your home and property stand out from the others on the block. A misconception about an ornamental iron home fence is the level of difficulty to install the fence.
Today’s ornamental iron is light weight, making it easy to work with, and with the new bracket system on the market, installation is simple. Get the fence posts set and then the nut and bolt bracket system will go quicker than you may think. Still, if you’re not comfortable working with the material, calling a professional home fence company is always an option.
Can you build a fence without sinking posts?
If so, how do you secure a fence post without concrete?
If you’re concerned about having to sink post for a temporary fence, there is a work-a-round using heavy concrete blocks. You’ll need to attach a bracket to the concrete blocks, a strong bracket that can hold whatever material you’re using, metal, plastic, or wood. Mount the posts to the bracket then the fence.
If you’re installing a home fence for permanency, sinking poles is necessary. How it is sunk and if the poles should be cemented in will depend on the material of the post for the home fence you’re building.
So, can you install a fence yourself? Sure, it’s your property, right? First, you’ll want to check with your local municipality. Some may require having a contractor with certification, insurance, and licensing. However, if you are considering building your own home fence, here are few things to consider:
The Pros:
- Save money on labor.
- Your choice in material and styles.
- The pride in a job done.
While you may have these benefits, you should know that doesn’t mean you won’t have any issues or problems, which brings us to …
The Cons:
- The time to install your home fence will use up your weekend or vacation.
- The time to research home fence instructions before you start.
- Shopping for the right materials and tools.
- Knowing the property lines.
- Filing for building permit.
- No guarantee or warranty on the work.
Looking to get started on your home fence in Crowley and Fort Worth, TX? Call Ware Fencing at 817-948-4503 today.