Photo By: Dakota Unlimited

Having your own home is a great blessing. It is a place that we can love, maintain, and protect. A home is a private space where we create relationships, strengthen bonds, and build memories that last our lifetimes. If it should happen that you feel the need to construct a fence around your house for any reason whatsoever, you must consider some factors before anything else. This article discusses the six (6) most common elements that you should consider when you plan to build a fence around your property.

1. Create A Secure And Private Area 

The first and most important reason to build your house a perimeter fence is the additional security that a fence represents. Even the most secure neighborhood may harbor some troublemakers at some point so you need a fence to protect your family and property. If you’ve had trouble with someone breaking and entering your house, then it is very important to invest in the construction of a perimeter fence to secure your property. Take note of any neighborhood association rules such as the legal height allowed for any perimeter fence and the linked gates of the fence – some communities are very sensitive about these. If privacy fencing is your goal, you will have to consider materials and design that will ensure appropriate effects of seclusion and security. At the same time, you want your fence to make your home more attractive to potential buyers, even if you are not thinking of selling at this time.

2. Establish Your Legal Boundaries

The issue of property lines is often a point of contention among neighbors when installing a fence. This can be a source of conflict when not handled well. To avoid this kind of conflict, have your property surveyed by a professional surveyor before you get a fence built along your property lines. Make sure your next-door neighbors are aware that you will be surveying your property boundaries. It is best to treat this kind of situation with kid gloves and a friendly attitude so that you can handle in a civilized manner any complaints that may arise.

Photo By: TYDAN Landscape Design Inc.

3. Increase Property Values

Another reason you need a fence is to greatly improve the value of your property. Your neighbors would probably welcome the idea of putting a fence around your property because of this. Putting up a fence may signal to your neighbors that you want to stay a long time in the neighborhood, so they might even follow your example and construct fences around their properties as well. Remember that old saying about how good fences make good neighbors? It still holds true. If you feel fairly certain about putting up a fence, you should always ask your realtor for their opinion. Ask about the rules regarding the neighborhood’s image for one thing, since there are some neighborhoods where the residents are very conscious about the overall appeal of the community when it comes to architectural details. You may also inquire with your realtor about whether the fence can increase property values in the neighborhood.

4. Lower Home Insurance Premiums

If you like the idea of paying a lower home insurance premium, putting up a fence around your property is an absolutely win-win idea. Your premiums would go down because the house you live in will be more secure and less of a liability (as far as the insurance company is concerned, that is. Having a fence around your perimeter is also important if you plan to build a swimming pool on your property so that you gain more privacy and security. You may want to re-examine the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy to see if there are any other clauses that can affect the level of premiums that you have to pay.

Photo By: Dakota Unlimited

5. Keep Animals Out, Children and Pets In 

In some communities, it is not unusual to spot wild animals such as deer, rabbits, chipmunks, racoons, coyotes, or even opossums venturing into your property. This is particularly true for households that adjoin forest lands or those with a flower garden or a vegetable garden around. For instance, you may be motivated to set up a tall fence so that animals don’t come over to feast on your prized cabbages. There are some fence installation companies such as deerfencing.com that construct fences that won’t harm wildlife but will prevent them from entering your property. A fence would also be good at keeping your kids and pets inside your property, so the principle works both ways.

6. Use the Right Materials 

It is vital as well that you build a perimeter fence with the right materials. One reason for this is that you want your perimeter fence to have the same quality as the rest of the house, particularly if your house is new. The architectural details of the house should be echoed in the design details of the fence. The height of the fence, which can affect the harmony of details all over the property, may also be influenced by what kind of materials you choose to use to build the perimeter fence. Another reason is the weather conditions and climate in your area. For instance, if it tends to rain a lot, you probably should not invest in a wooden fence since wood can look weathered and rot fast. A steel fence may make more sense since metal can take weathering in its stride and last longer than a wooden fence. But if you really like the look of wood and think it will harmonize the outdoor appearance of your home then you may want to have the wood treated so that it will not rot or become weathered over a longer period of time. Bottom-line: you don’t want to be spending on new fencing every now and then; you want your fence to last a very long time.

Key Takeaways 

Some homes are built with fences while others do not come with any fence at all. If you want your home to appreciate in value and heighten security in the neighborhood, it is a good idea to put up a fence of your own. Your fence should keep your property private and secure, letting your children and pets enjoy your yard in safety while keeping wild animals out. Just make sure to check neighborhood rules and expectations, to build your fence with the right look to harmonize with your home design, and with the right materials so that it lasts long without fear of rot or weathering.

Make sure your garden and yard are pet-friendly this summer! We’ve got 10 tips on how to keep your dogs safe in your yard all summer long!

1. Supervise

If dogs are left alone in your backyard without you, they’ll quickly find something to amuse themselves with. It could be tearing up your plants, or digging a hole. You need to be with them in the yard and give them structured exercise to prevent them from getting bored.

2. Obedience Training

Make sure your dog knows basic obedience training. You can do this by enrolling your dog in a training class. This is a great way for you and your dog to bond, and your dog gets some well-needed socialization with other dogs as well.

3. Latch Your Gates

Make sure your gates have strong latches to prevent your dog from escaping your yard. Locking the gate will also prevent children or delivery people from opening the gate and accidentally letting your dog out.

4. Build a Fence

If you can’t keep your dog away from your flower beds, consider building a low fence. Even a low fence is enough of a visual deterrent for your dog to stay away.

5. Toys

Keep a basket of toys handy in your garden. These can be toys that your dog can play with only in your garden, and in time, he’ll look forward to going out so he can play with his special toys. Keeping your dog occupied is key in preventing him from looking for trouble.

6. Shelter

Even if your dog lives indoors, he’ll appreciate having his very own space in the garden to relax. Build or buy him a nice and comfortable doghouse where he can retreat for some quiet time.

7. Build Pathways

Create garden paths in your backyard from brick or gravel to keep paws dry. Your dog will quickly learn to stay on the path so you lawn won’t become packed down.

8. Container Gardening

If your dog can’t seem to stay away from your garden, try planting flowers or vegetables in pots or planters. Many plants do well when planted in a pot, and they are less likely to be trampled by your dog.

9. Water

Provide your dog with fresh water in your garden for when he gets thirsty from playing. You can also add in a small kiddie pool for him to cool off in. If kiddie pools aren’t your thing, a small pond can be made on a budget that can match the rest of your garden decor.

10. Get to Know Your Breed

Some breeds are more prone to digging up plants and making holes than others. Make sure your dog has plenty to keep himself occupied with so he doesn’t turn to your garden. If your dog loves digging, consider giving him his own corner of the yard to dig in. Always provide plenty of praise and treats when he uses it!

Photos: Rogue Hydro, Pet Resort Willow Wood, Hillside K9 Academy, Seegar’s Fence, Plow Hearth, Maxi Sciences, Millennium Land, Urban Food Warrior, Hunt ‘Em Up, Dog Behaviour Advice.