Whether you’re looking for more privacy or a barrier to keep your dogs in, choosing a new fence can seem like an overwhelming task. Not only do you want your fence to look great, but it needs to serve its purpose. You should also consider the amount of maintenance needed for certain materials as well as possible neighborhood fencing restrictions. It is best to consult a fencing contractor to install your new fence to ensure it is safe and meets county codes.
Straight from the horse’s mouth, here is your need to know information from Carter Fence on choosing the right fence for your Northern Virginia home.
What Is the Purpose of Your Fence?
Homeowners in Northern Virginia build fences for a variety of reasons including privacy, safety, containment, and visual appeal. If designed and installed correctly fences are a great way to increase your home’s value and add to your yard’s landscape. Oftentimes, homeowners build a new fence and realize afterward their beautiful fence doesn’t serve the purpose they were hoping for. We ask all of our customers, “Why do you need a fence?” Once we hear their reasoning, it is much easier to guide the decision making process. It is best to prioritize your needs over your wants.
If you need privacy, wood fences are the best! Vinyl is another option but sometimes panels are placed too far apart to offer the privacy most homeowners are looking for. If you don’t need privacy, aluminum fencing gives a classy, open look and feel.
Consider Fence Maintenance
When deciding what type of fencing to choose, ask yourself how much time you want to spend maintaining your fence. Staining and painting your fence every couple of years is not only pleasing to the eye but it can also raise your property value.
Vinyl and aluminum fencing requires the least amount of ongoing maintenance while wood fencing has to be treated every few years—or more depending on weather and use. However, wood fences are much easier to repair!
Do You Have Homeowners Association Regulations?
Most of our clients are surprised to hear that homeowners associations actually have rules about which type of fence you are allowed to install—so you may not have any say in it at all. Our best bit of advice is to check with your HOA before you have your mind set on a type of fence. Once you know their rules and regulations, you can start deciding the material, type, and height of your new fence!
Pick the Right Fence Contractor!
You can try to build your own fence, or hire a cheap fencing contractor to do it for you, but the process requires special knowledge, tools and hard labor. Before you embark on the fence building journey, consider hiring a professional fence contractor. Make sure you hire a well-known and reputable company. The last thing you want to do is hire a company that stops showing up half way through the project.
Most contractors will provide references upon request and usually have licensing information you can review. If you live in the Northern Virginia area and you’re looking for a trustworthy and hardworking fence contractor, contact Carter Fence today! Our friendly team can help you select and design a fence that is perfect for your needs and budget. We offer competitive pricing, promotions, and FREE estimates!