Thinking of Building a New Fence? Ask These 5 Questions First
A fence can provide security, increase privacy, offer protection from the weather, and improve your home’s curb appeal – and a good fence should be able to do all these things.
If you’re thinking about building a new fence, there are some things you should consider prior to commencing the project. Although it’s tempting to dive straight in, we definitely recommend that you do your research and ask the right questions prior to starting any works. This will save you unnecessary drama and heartbreak in the long run – trust us! Before you start anything, make sure that you’ve asked yourself these 5 questions first.
Do I need a permit?
If you’re building a fence in Australia, chances are that you’ll need a permit. The rules vary depending on the council, but generally speaking, most local councils require some kind of building permit to construct a front, side, back or corner fence on a residential property.
While you’re at it with the permits, it’s also a good idea to communicate your plans to your neighbours prior to starting any works. This is more a gesture of goodwill than anything else, but a little communication goes a long way. If the fence in question happens to be a dividing fence between neighbours, things can become a little more complicated. We have tips on how to approach this system as well as who is responsible for paying for a fence between neighbours.
Do I understand all the fencing regulations?
Depending on the location of your fence, your new fence may be subject to requirements and regulations. For example, front fences are usually subject to strict height regulations while pool fences usually have to meet other legally enforceable criteria. It’s a good idea to get across all the rules and regulations before you begin your project because the last thing you’d want is to have your fence taken down because it doesn’t meet the legal requirements.
The best way to gain confidence over all the rules and regulations is to hire a local fencing contractor to do the job. Our Jim’s Fencing franchisees are based all around Australia and are familiar with the rules and regulations in their area.
What kind of maintenance does this fence require?
Some types of fencing require more maintenance than others, so it’s a good idea to determine how much maintenance you’re willing to perform on your fence throughout the years. For example, wood fences usually require occasional staining or sealing as they’re prone to rotting and water damage. Colourbond fences, on the other hand, are finished with a scratch and weather-resistant coating, making them a great option for those wanting to go down the low-maintenance route.
When thinking about maintenance, it’s also a good opportunity to think about the climate you live in. For warmer, humid, and wetter climates, for example, we would recommend homeowners to steer clear of most wood materials because of their tendency to rot. If you live in a cold climate, on the other hand, metal fences might be the way to go.
If you need some advice on the best type of fence for your property and your lifestyle, it might be helpful to get in touch with your local fencing expert. Based on their experience, they’ll be able to recommend the best materials for your fence.
Where are the access points?
It might sound obvious, but it’s important to ask yourself where the entry and exit points will be placed. For safety and convenience reasons, it’s best to have at least two access points to your yard. When you’re planning the entry and exit points in your new fence, make sure that they’re easily accessible and that they’re wide enough to allow everyday objects such as bins, lawn mowers, and shopping bags through. At the end of the day, no matter how good a fence looks, it needs to be functional.
What’s the budget?
Although it’s not the most exciting of things to talk about, budgets are an essential part of any project, whether it be big or small. It’s also one of those things that need to be established at the very beginning of the project. The costs involved in building a new fence depend on a number of variables, such as material, height, and size, so it’s not possible to determine in general terms how much building a new fence will cost. If you want help with setting your budget, it’s helpful to get a contractor to give you a quote once they’ve visited your property.
One thing to be wary of are contractors who try to give you a price over the phone. You’ll likely find that the actual price ends up being way higher than what they initially quoted. At Jim’s Fencing, we only provide price quotes after we’ve visited the site because we understand that every project is unique. Once we have a clearer idea of the project, we work closely with our customers to find a fencing solution that’s within budget and also high quality.
If the time has come to build a new fence, save yourself time, money, and stress by calling in Jim’s Fencing to do the job. Give Jim’s Group a call on 13 15 46 or enquire online today.
Related Jim’s Group News
– How to Fix a Leaning Fence Without Replacing it.
– What Type of Fence is Right for My Home?
– Who’s Actually Responsible for Paying for a New Fence Between Neighbours?
– What Qualifications and Equipment Do I Need to Start a Fencing Business?
