Before You Build

You obviously have to build the fence, or install a prebuilt fence, but either way, there are some things that need to be done before the actual erection of the fence. First and foremost, consider why you're building the fence. There are many reasons one would want to build a fence, such as to show property lines, to gain privacy, to contain pets or kids or keep them away from a pool. All of these reasons are valid, and you do not necessarily need a reason to build a fence, but it will certainly help dictate what type of fence you will use.

Once you determine the purpose behind fencing your property, you really should do the following three to ensure you do not have to redo anything:

1. Check local building codes.
Contact your town hall or city's zoning office to learn about easements, height restrictions, setbacks or any other regulations that you must adhere to. The last thing you want is to pour time and money into a fence you have to tear down or move back or change because it does not adhere to your city restrictions. Take the 15 minutes to find out what you have to do and save yourself a big headache later.

2. Verify your property lines.
Before fencing your property you want to make sure that the property you are fencing is really yours. So, take a look at your survey or plot plan to confirm where your lot begins and ends. If there is any uncertainty, think about hiring a land surveyor to come out and show you, that way you won't be stuck moving a fence later.

3. Talk to your neighbors.
Because most of us have neighbors, and because you may be living near them for quite some time, you will want to, out of courtesy, discuss plans with your neighbors before beginning to build. This does not mean get their approval, but at least let them know what is going on. This will save you the headache of an annoyed neighbor calling the city on you, etc.

Once you know you can fence your property, and what your property entails exactly, and that your neighbors are okay with it, you need to pick the fence type you are going to put up. Some people will not have a choice as their HOA may dictate the type of fence they can and cannot erect.

The following are some various fence styles you can choose from when fencing your property:

Zigzag rail fences. These are the type of fences that are typical in rural settings and around farmhouses. They are made of interlocking horizontally stacked rough-hewn rails.

Wrought-iron or cast-iron fences. These tend to be more ornate, thus they are best for more formal, historic houses, and properties such as Victorians, or high-end urban homes. While many older homes have these wrought iron fences, you can still build them. Today, similar styles are available in powder-coated steel, anodized aluminum or composite materials that are much more affordable and easier to maintain.

Stone fences. These are the oldest known type of fencing, and they make great garden walls. These are popular fences for Colonials and Cape Cods, they look better when built with native stone.

The picket fence. This is more of a low, decorative style used to define property rather than secure it. This is not the fence type you would use to keep animals or children in. However, it is a universally popular style, and is flexible enough to work with almost any home.

Vinyl fences. These fences are both nice looking, easy to maintain, and good for securing property lines. They come in a variety of styles, and prices. They look nice with just about any type of home, and are quickly gaining a lot of popularity.

Chain link fences. While not pleasant to look at, if your goal is to secure your property, chain link is certainly the way to go. Chain link is a great option for animal containment, and to keep kids in. It can be built high or low, and you can even add things like barbed wire to the top for extra security.