Fence Installation Prep: Four Tips For Getting Ready For Your New Fence

A fence can be a great way to add privacy to your home, keep pets from running off, or keep wandering animals out of your yard. Installing one isn't as simple as just sticking a few posts in the ground, though. Be sure to take these steps before installing a fence:

1. Check Local Rules and Laws

Just because it's your property doesn't necessarily mean you can build any type of fence wherever you want. City or county ordinances often place restrictions on fences, and homeowners' association rules may also apply. If you live in a historic home, additional restrictions may apply to preserve the neighborhood's image.

2. Know Your Pets

If you're building a fence when you have pets, know how they behave and what they're capable of. Do you have a dog that's a digger? You'll need to extend your fence into the ground to keep it from tunneling under.

Are you planning a fence that isn't completely solid? Make sure any gaps are too small for a curious pet (or child) to stick their head through and get stuck,

Is your pet a jumper? Your fence will need to be too high for it to get over. This may land you back in step number one if the fence has to go very high or you have other requirements for your pets.

3. Talk to Neighbors

Even if you're fully within your rights to build a fence, it's always a good idea to talk to your neighbors first. This prevents any surprises that could ruin your relationship. It also gives them a chance to raise any objections if they think you aren't allowed to put in a fence.

You also may find out that they were planning a fence of their own. In that case, you may be able to agree on what type of fence to put in and to split the cost on your shared property line.

4. Have Your Land Surveyed

You need to be 100% sure of where the property line is if you are building a fence along the edge. Even if you like marking your property by the changing grass, the edge of a driveway, or an existing fence is the property line, get an official survey.

If you build your fence too far onto your own property, you could end up giving your neighbor permanent property rights to your land outside of your fence. If you build it on your neighbor's property, you could end up being forced to move the fence or to pay your neighbor for taking their land.

Are you ready to get started installing your fence? Contact a local land surveyor today. For example, contact a company like Arizona Surveying and Mapping with any questions you have.