DIY Fencing – Where Things Go Wrong
![building a wooden fence with a drill and screw. Close up of his diy fencing](https://customdesignandbuildllc.com/wp-content/uploads/AdobeStock_113450438.jpeg)
Most homeowners want to feel like the masters of their own domains — as they should! But there comes a point in every homeowner’s life when they have to decide whether to do something themselves or to call in the professionals. In theory, DIY fencing is simple. You just buy the materials, decide where you want to put the fence, and then set aside a day or two to actually put it together, right? Wrong! Even homeowners who are extremely handy and experienced with DIY projects struggle to create high-quality fencing from scratch.
Part of the reason DIY fencing can go wrong is because it’s far more complex than it seems. There are many factors to consider, from unleveled ground and soil conditions to local ordinances and material costs. In today’s guide, we’re going to go over some of the most common reasons why DIY fencing can go wrong and why you should consider a professional installation team like Custom Design & Build for your next fencing project. So, let’s get started!
How & Why Mistakes Happen With DIY Fencing
Any DIY project can go awry if you’re not careful, but fencing is a particularly nuanced type of building that requires someone who has extensive experience. Here are a few of the most common issues we’ve encountered when talking with people who’ve attempted to build and install fences on their own:
Poor Leveling & Measurements
Unless you have perfectly flat ground to work with, you’re going to have to do some very careful measuring to ensure that your fence remains straight and level. This can be difficult if you’re not experienced with the nuances of uneven terrain. Even a small miscalculation could result in fences that simply don’t look good. Even worse, you could end up hitting a water main or an underground cable if you’re not careful!
Low-Quality Materials
Like any respectable DIYer, you want to cut costs wherever you can. However, it’s easy to get pulled in by the low costs of subpar materials. Low-quality wood or metal is not going to hold up for long. So, even if you manage to put together a great-looking fence, you could end up needing to repair or replace it soon after if the materials aren’t built to last.
Difficult Soil Conditions
You’ll need to dig deep enough into the ground to ensure that your fence posts are securely positioned. However, if the soil is overly rocky or unstable, it could make it harder to dig the holes and set your posts correctly. Many DIYers may not know how to test the soil or what kind of equipment to use to dig through difficult soil.
Misunderstanding Local Regulations
Most towns, cities, municipalities, and even individual neighborhoods have rules and regulations concerning what you can and cannot place on your property. In most places, you can build fencing within the property that you own. However, fencing height requirements are something that can vary a lot from one place to the next. It would be a huge waste of time and money if you build a fence, only to have local officials tell you that it’s too tall and needs to be taken down.
Want to Build a Great Fence? Call the Professionals
Do you want to avoid the hassle and headache of trying to build a beautiful fence on your own? Are you looking for professionals who can work with you to design and build your dream fence? If so, Custom Design & Build is here to help. We have years of experience building residential fences in Maryland. We only work with the best materials, but we won’t charge you an arm and a leg to get the job done. Reach out to our team today to learn more!