Things to Know Before Installing a Home Fence
There are some things to consider before installing a home fence. Getting a permit, knowing your property line, identifying the property lines, and wood rot prevention are just a few. However, having a fence that protects your property can help you avoid many problems in the future.
Getting A Permit
Before you start working on a fence project, it’s important to get the necessary permits. These will help you avoid issues that may crop up after the project has begun. You can get the necessary paperwork from the local building inspector. The inspector can also help you with codes and regulations. You may need to pay a fee to get your application approved. It’s also helpful to have a surveyor or a professional like from home fence installation in Forest Lake, IL, measure the boundaries of your property before beginning work. You can use this information to sketch the perimeter of the fence and provide proof of insurance to the building inspector.
Additionally, you should get a permit to install a fence in an urban setting. Urban areas tend to have stricter fence ordinances than rural areas. This is because of zoning laws and neighborhood design and safety regulations. Even rural residents should consult local building inspectors to determine if a permit is necessary before installing a fence.
Identifying Property Lines
Before installing a home fence, you must know the exact boundaries of your property. You can do this by consulting a surveyor or looking at street lights and sidewalks. In some instances, property lines are marked, and it is easy to find them using these methods. If you do not have access to a surveyor, you can use the property plat survey map that is provided with your mortgage or home purchase agreement.
Identifying property lines is an essential part of any outdoor project. Not only is it important to understand the legal boundaries of your property, but it is also important to respect your neighbors’ property rights. Some cities have strict laws on property line delineation, making property line disputes very costly and inconvenient. In addition to the legal issues, property line disputes can lead to injuries or even tree root damage if your home and your neighbor’s properties are not aligned. Therefore, it is important to consult with your neighbor or real estate agent before starting any outdoor project. Besides knowing the boundaries of your property, you should also find out the regulations and rules regarding fences in your neighborhood.
Preventing Wood Rot
When installing a home fence, one of the first things to check is whether the wood has suffered from wood rot. To determine whether a fence’s wood has been affected by wood rot, look for signs of decay, such as white mold, yellow stains, or even moldy mushrooms. Rotted wood is soft and may even look like cotton wool. If you notice a discolored spot, use a screwdriver to probe it.
Talking To Neighbors
Before installing a home fence, talk to your neighbors to determine their expectations and concerns. While the fence will become the border between your properties, your neighbors may want to collaborate on the project. For example, they might want to help you plan the fence’s design. This can help you reduce the potential for misunderstandings with your neighbors and make the process smoother.
Be sure to let your neighbors know the costs involved in the installation so that you can share the costs. If your neighbors don’t want to pay for your fence, make sure you explain the situation upfront.
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