November 10th, 2016Five Things to Consider Before Building Your Fence

From chain-link to vinyl, a fence can provide security, increase your privacy, offer protection from the elements and improve your home's curb appeal. At A&G Fencing, we have been designing, constructing, and repairing fences for nearly 30 years, and we have the knowledge and experience behind us to help our customers make the right choice for them. Whether you’re installing a gate for your backyard oasis, or having your strata complex fenced, we can help. Check out these tips and give us a call.

1.Know What You Want

Before you install your fence, ask yourself why you’re installing it. Chances are,  your wishes are multi-faceted; you want to keep your dog in the yard, but you also want to add spruce up your home's exterior. If it's strictly about making sure your fluffy friend is getting a good dose of fresh air, we have several practical and attractive options for dog runs and safety fences that include everything from  ornate metal  to wood.  If you're looking to block noise or add privacy, you will want something tall and solid and we've got you covered – literally. Whatever its purpose, the first step is deciding what you're looking for to choose one that works for you.

2.    Choose Your Materials

A white picket fence is quintessential, but is it right for the job? Here at A & G Fencing, we know better than most that fences come in many different shapes and sizes and can be made from an array of diverse materials. Whether your fence is made of vinyl, metal, wood or something else, when it comes to design and style, A&G Fencing offers a number of diverse and flexible materials.  If you want to achieve a natural yet sophisticated look and feel for your property, wood fencing might be the  perfect choice to complement your home. Looking for an option that might involve less elbow grease? Consider vinyl. Whatever your needs are, we know we can help.

3. Do Your Homework!

Be open and up front with neighbours about your fencing plans, and inquire with municipal building code officials regarding bylaws that dictate fencing look, height, and material. City regulations may specify that the side that doesn't show posts and rails be placed toward the public face of the property, for example.  Ask how far a fence has to be set back from sidewalks and property lines, and find out if your fence project will require a building permit. Trust us – it will save you a lot of headaches later on down the line.

4. Fencing isn’t very DIY Friendly

It's always tempting to take the do-it-yourself approach to a home project, but remember, there is a lot more that goes into installing a fence than meets the eye, and who has time for the headaches?  For example, the improper installation of fence posts can lead to major structural issues. Proper planning for the grade of your property is also crucial – the last thing you need is a gaping hole at the bottom of your fence, especially if it's intended to keep Fido from wandering off. These are just a few of the setbacks you can face during any construction project. Let us worry about it – it's what we do!

 

5.      Think Green

When deciding what type of fence you want, consider adding living walls of plants to the fence. This can add to the aesthetics of the fence. They’re also the perfect tool for hiding imperfections such as chipped paint or small holes. Check out our guide to decorating your fence with vines for our top recommendations. Before you plant your vines don't forget to check for any city or neighbourhood rules to ensure that they don’t overgrow any restrictions of the area.