When planning any home improvement project, a little prep work can go a long way to ensure a happy, hassle-free outcome.
- Check with your HOA to be sure there are no restrictions on fence installation or if there are style guidelines in effect for your community.
- Locate your plat to determine your property lines. You will want to be sure the fence lies within the confines of your own property. If you are not sure of your property’s boundaries, a lot stake out is recommended.
- Discuss your intentions with your immediate neighbors. They may be considering a similar project, in which case you might be able to pool your resources and share the costs of a dividing fence.
- Obtain the required building permits. Building codes and local zoning ordinances may restrict your fence installation, both in terms of height and design.
- Contact your local utility companies to help you determine the location of underground gas, water and power lines. The service is usually free.
- Determine your fence style and materials based on your needs and your home’s architecture. Will the fence be purely an aesthetic landscaping feature? Are you looking for absolute privacy? Will it be used to control access to a pool, protect the children’s play area or prevent your dog from escaping? Your answers will go a long way in determining what type of fence is best for you.
Long® Fence offers free estimates, material samples, and a complimentary design service to help make the process easy. We handle all legwork too, such as calling Miss Utility and obtaining permits.
Time required: Time required is extremely variable. What materials will you be using? Chain link, for instance, installs faster than wood. How much space are you enclosing with the fence? Is the terrain flat and unobstructed? Wooded? Rugged? Into what kind of soil will you be placing posts? (Rocks take extra time and effort.) Installing a fence, particularly digging the holes, can be very strenuous work, particularly for a long fence and in rocky soil.
Manufacturer support: Support from your manufacturer can be variable. If you are buying raw materials, wood posts or rolls of chain link fence, support is low. If you are buying an integrated fence product that has all parts made by one manufacturer, directions are usually thorough and phone support is often available.
Think carefully before you purchase materials and try to do-it-yourself. Should you change your mind and decide to hire a contractor, many will not install a fence using materials that you have provided. The quality of the materials may not conform to the standards set by the company and this type of installation could reflect on their reputation and commitment to their customers.
For complete peace of mind, use a professional fence contractor, like Long® Fence, to design and install the fence. Too often, “do-it-yourselfers” miss important steps in the process or do not end up with a finished product that is aesthetically pleasing to all. After all your home is your biggest investment.
What to Expect During the Estimate
When you call Long® Fence for a free estimate, our appointment setters will work to schedule an appointment at your convenience. We offer weekday, early evening and Saturday appointments.
Our sales associates will arrive with material samples, photos, financing information and most importantly, expertise to assess your needs and property for the best solution. They are courteous, professionally trained and always carry identification.
You will receive a proposal with a to-the-penny price for your project, good for 30 days. You may sign it immediately or take time to review it. A deposit is required at signing, and we accept all major credit cards for deposits.
Once we receive the proposal and all required paperwork such as plat, HOA documents and permits, management reviews it. The customer is responsible for the plat and HOA documents. Long® Fence will obtain the permits and call Miss Utility.
The Installation Process
You will be notified of an installation date after all paperwork is in hand. If your job requires several days for installation, another progress payment is required when the materials are delivered and the crew begins work. Final payment is required after completion.Our customer service department is happy to answer any questions you may have during or after the installation process.
Should I get help or do-it-myself?
Before deciding to install a fence, you should have the answers to three questions:
- Do you have the skills to do it?
- Do you have the time to do it?
- Will information and support be available through the installation process?
Here is some help in answering those questions:
Skills required: The necessary skill level can range from low to high. The skills required vary greatly depending on the type of fence and your terrain. Installing a wooden fence on a clear, level lot in topsoil that is not rocky is a straightforward project that requires minimum skill. Installing a wrought iron fence with an electronic gate on a sloped property with rocky soil requires a high level of skill. This is definitely a job best left to the professionals.