So, you?re thinking about having a fence installed on your residential property; perhaps you?d simply like some more privacy, or perhaps you want a fenced-in yard for your dog. Either way, there are some steps you?ll want to follow before you sign a contract on any fence installation project.

Talk to Your Neighbors

If you live in a community where your neighbors are relatively close, it?s good etiquette to talk to your adjacent neighbors about your plans to build the fence. This way, you can make sure that you all agree on the location of your property boundaries and there aren?t any problems down the road. Also, construction of a new fence can be a bit loud, so giving them a heads up of when the installation will take place can help them plan accordingly and avoid tension between you and your neighbors.

Check Your Property Line

Speaking of property boundaries, if there is any question about your property line, now is the time to check with your local municipality and obtain a copy of your neighborhood zoning. This way, you can figure out exactly where your lot begins and ends, which will help to avoid arguments with neighbors. Don?t hesitate to provide your neighbors with copies of zoning paperwork to put their minds at ease when you let them know about your intentions to have a fence installed.

Review Your HOA By-Laws

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), then you?ll also want to check with them to ensure that you?re even allowed to build a fence on your property. You can do this by either speaking directly with your HOA board or by checking out the latest copy of your neighborhood by-laws.

Even if you are allowed to build a fence, there may be restrictions in place when it comes to the fence material (some HOAs won?t allow chain link fences, for example), height, or color. By being aware of these ahead of time, you can avoid wasting your money on a fence that doesn?t conform to your HOA rules.

Understand Maintenance Needs

No matter what type of fence you choose to have installed on your property, you will have at least some responsibilities when it comes to caring for and maintaining your fence?that is, if you want it to last you for many years to come.

For example, a wooden fence will need to be either stained or painted from time to time. A chain link fence may need to have holes repaired. Be sure that you?re prepared not only for the cost of installing the fence, but for the costs and time associated with maintaining it as well.

Ask About Permitting

Finally, understand that most cities require homeowners to obtain a permit before having a fence installed. More than likely, your fence installation company will take care of applying for and obtaining the necessary permits ahead of time, and this will be included in your quote. However, you shouldn?t always assume that this is the case, especially if you?re hiring a contractor to do the work. Check in your contract and estimate paperwork to make sure that the installation company will be the one taking care of getting the permit.

As you can see, there?s a lot that needs to be done before you decide to have a fence installed on your property. If you?re looking for a reliable company that you can count on to install a quality fence on your property in a timely manner, be sure to contact us. We?d be happy to provide you with a quote for your fencing project.

An aluminum fence is one of the toughest and most durable fences you?ll ever have. It?s why so many people use them for both residential and commercial purposes. But is it one of the best options to use as a security fence on your commercial property? The answer to that is a resounding yes for a variety of reasons.

When you consider the styling of the fence and the height, you have a fence option that can easily keep intruders out. You?re also saved from needing to do recurring maintenance.

Why Aluminum Fencing is Good for Security

With parallel bars in each fencing panel, you don?t have to worry about someone getting a foothold to climb over the fence. While chain link fences are excellent and used all the time for security, there can still be attempts to climb it because of the holes. No one will be able to try with an aluminum fence. And unless they can magically jump or manipulate gravity, the height of the fence will help even more.

Specialized Pickets

Many people choose to put spear pickets at the top of their aluminum fencing for even more added security. This makes it virtually foolproof in anyone being able to jump over it. While heights can be up to you based on customization, the higher it is, the more security you?ll have.

Double pickets can be added through your customization preferences. Some businesses choose these so smaller animals can?t squeeze through normal pickets that are spaced a little farther apart. It?s amazing how some animals can fit through small openings, though double pickets make it impossible.

After all this security, you can add some assurance that you won?t have to go out every summer and deal with regular maintenance.

Aluminum Doesn?t Rust

Unlike wrought-iron fencing, you won?t have to worry about rust with aluminum. In fact, it?s said that it takes 10,000 years for aluminum to totally deteriorate. The paint will never wear either, so you don?t have to worry about annual painting as you would with a wooden fence.

Aluminum fencing ultimately works like a perpetually durable security guard for you. It?s one reason why we see so many people choose that option here at Beitzell Fence. We can bring that and a custom design to your own business at a reasonable price.

It may be too cold to have a new fence installed now, but before you know it, spring will be here. In fact, winter is a good time to be considering installing a fence. Besides setting aside a budget for your new fence, you can also use this time to plan ahead and study the various kinds of fencing, along with their costs. This way, you can get a better understanding of what your new fence can cost, besides how to save money on fence installation.

Fencing Material

Several factors can influence the cost of having a fence installed. One of the main ones is the type of fencing material. Installation pricing, regardless of the type of fencing material, is priced by the lineal foot.

• For example, chain link fencing is probably the cheapest material, as it can run between $3 to $6 per square foot. This is an ideal fence for keeping kids and pets contained and safe.
• A wood fence, which costs somewhat more, averages between $3 to $9 per square foot. Costs for installing a wood fence can vary, depending on wood type, height and decorative details.
• Vinyl fencing, which costs anywhere from $4 to $12 per square foot, is lightweight and offers easy installation. On the other hand, it?s not as suited for security purposes as metal fencing. The cost for installing a vinyl fence is about $20 per square foot.
• The most expensive fencing materials are aluminum or wrought iron, as they can cost about $40 per square foot.

Labor Costs

Labor cost is perhaps the biggest factor involved in fence installation cost. Although the average fee for installing a fence varies between $30 and $50 per hour, certain conditions can increase the overall cost.

• For example, if you have steep slopes on your land, or have some areas that are hard to access, fence installation can be more expensive.
• A yard with too many trees, abnormal obstructions or other pre-existing structures can jack up the price.
• A contractor having to contact an electrical company for checking on underground electrical wires can entail additional costs.
• If your contractor has to secure city permits or requirements for a homeowner?s association, it can add to your fence installation cost. Therefore, it helps if you can do these jobs, yourself, to reduce labor costs. Additionally, knowing ahead of time, what the requirements are is helpful.

Considerations and Warnings

• Where you live can affect the cost, however, the average cost, nationally, for installing a new fence runs from roughly$1,500 to $4,000.
• Consider the main reason for installing a fence when selecting the best type of fencing materials. Although you may want to cut costs, it?s important to also consider other factors, including fence upkeep.
• The shape and size of your yard can affect the price of installing a fence.
• In most cases, fence installation entails three stages, which include, digging post holes, post installation and installing the fencing. Thus, you need to determine the length of time it will take for a contractor to accomplish all these tasks.
• A high quality fence company should be able to present you with an accurate timetable to help you get a reasonable idea of labor costs.
• Examine your property before you make a decision on fencing.
• Get at least three written estimates before hiring a fencing contractor as this gives you a better idea of the costs of materials and labor.

You don?t have to dole out more money that you need to spend for installing a fence. To learn more about the different types of fences and installations, don?t hesitate to call the professionals at Beitzell Fence.

Our Northern Virginia, family-owned company has continued to provide the highest quality of fencing, as well as top-notch services at reasonable prices for more than 28 years. We offer both residential and commercial installations.

Please contact us and find out more about our wide range of products and services. We belong to the American Fencing Association, in addition to the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association.

An image that often comes to mind when thinking about ?The American Dream? is a beautiful suburban house with a white-picket fence. We may not put a whole lot of thought into fences but if you think about it, they provide homeowners considerable advantages (and more than just looking pretty). First and foremost, fencing protects your property from outside nuisances such as small animals (and more pressing dangers such as predators). They also provide some protection against the elements, depending on where the property is.

Homeowners with children or small animals always need to keep a close eye out for them. Fences come in handy with this by providing a barrier between them and everything outside the yard. Small children and small pets aren?t the most well-behaved. In fact, any parent will tell you little kids are restless! As such, fencing offers protection for them when they?re outside playing in the yard.

There are a wide variety of fence designs to choose from. Wood fences, chain linked fences, and vinyl fences are a few popular choices that come to mind. Wood and vinyl fences are highly regarded for their comfortable, homey look, whereas chain linked fences are mostly designed for security purposes. No matter what fence design a homeowner chooses, however, there is an overlooked positive that comes with fencing.

The fencing industry generates considerable revenue and jobs across the United States. Fencing companies employ more than 270,000 laborers and generate $51 billion in revenue every year. There are about 100,000 fencing companies that operate in the U.S., all of them performing great, invaluable work for homeowners and their families. Demand for fencing is so large, in fact, that it?s expected to grow by 7% every year through 2018, generated $9 billion more in revenue and installing 875 million linear feet of fencing in the process!

Needless to say, fence designs and installation aren?t going away. For more information, feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom.

Enhancing a backyard is a rather broad subject because there are so many ways to go about doing this. From adding a deck to creating a beautiful garden, a homeowner should have no problem finding an option that they will thoroughly enjoy and that fits into their budget.

It is also worth considering a screened porch, which provides a number of unique benefits. A fence company should be able to help with the planning and installation, allowing you to sit back and relax.

Ability to Cool Down or Warm Up

An uncovered patio may be enjoyable, but when it gets extremely hot or cold outside, you have to make do with loose clothing or a patio heater to stay comfortable. However, a screened porch allows you to add functions such as installing a ceiling fan to keep nice and cool throughout summer, or add a patio heater and get better usage out of it because the warm air does not leave the patio so easily.

Less Affected by Weather

As a whole, a screened porch is just less affected by weather, such as rain or snow. Depending on the design you choose for your porch, you could gain substantial protection against heavy winds, as well.

Looks Incredible

With so many styles to choose from, you can really customize a screened porch to fit your home. Mainly, it is the framing that makes this kind of porch look so good, so focusing on this aspect is ideal.

Storage Space

A screened porch gives you more options, such as using multi-functional furniture that allows you to store books, magazines, blankets, or other items that you may use while in your patio.

If you want to take advantage of these benefits with a screened porch, contact us today.

Photo Courtesy of Bill Wilson

Flickr