For many people building a fence can be a weekend project. Although a careful and robust person is required, homeowners can also do the installation. This allows you to save money on the project while building the fence of your dreams. Most of the time, the fence installation can be done without problems. However, some do-it-yourself installation errors can cause problems for homeowners. Know the pitfalls to avoid and choose carefully the type and style of your fence.
The most common mistakes when building a fence is lack of experience and too fast installation; these are the most recurring problems that can arise when building your patio fence.
1. Fence Post Holes Are Not Deep Enough
When drilling the holes for the fence posts, you must ensure they are deep enough. It is recommended that post holes be drilled 30 to 36 inches deep, depending on the type of fence you purchase. Going through the steps too quickly does not guarantee a successful installation which can make the posts too shallow and weaken the wall; it can start to fall to one side and fail.
2. Not Using Enough Concrete
The quick-drying concrete in the post holes is essential for a robust and long-lasting fence. Unfortunately, one of the most common DIY installation mistakes is that the homeowner needs to use more concrete, which results in the posts not being accented perfectly. For a standard landscape installation, use 120 to 160 pounds of concrete.
3. Yard Elevation Changes Are Omitted
One of the most challenging aspects of building a fence is accounting for small changes in elevation when placing posts. To ensure you have a straight line, you need to calculate the difference in rise and fall of the individual sections of your yard. If you know your yard is full of little bumps, it’s best to hire a professional.
4. Miscalculating Your Property Line
One of the most frustrating and costly mistakes when installing a fence is putting the wall in what is technically your neighbor’s yard. When this happens, it is within your legal rights to require you to remove the fence. That’s why it’s essential to confirm and reconfirm the property line before starting the project and leave a 12-inch margin.
5. Door Installation Problems
One of the most challenging fence installation issues is the gate. Because gate panels have more moving parts than standard fence panels, they cause many problems. In addition, pool fences and gates have legal requirements, so you must be clear about your city’s needs before you begin.