a fence that fits. Building the right fence for you and your budget

HOW TO CHOOSE THE FENCE OPTION THAT SUITS YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS

The best reason to put up a fence is not practical. It’s more emotional. A fence encloses your territory. Walls and fences can make your home feel more private and personal, as well as separate from the rest of the world.

AN OVERVIEW

A fence can be more than a barrier. It can be used in a variety of ways. You can make it blend with your home’s style, enhance the landscape appearance, or add an accent piece to your garden or yard. Jeff Beneke, a hands-on home-improvement expert, provides a comprehensive guide that allows homeowners to select and build fences and gates that best suit their landscape aEUR” in terms of both appearance and function. Beneke offers suggestions on the best fences to protect the pool, contain livestock, keep deer away, and create outdoor living areas. Then, he discusses the basics of fencing design and gives step-by-step instructions for building, maintaining, and fixing any type of fence.

Here's what goes into planning, designing and buying a fence and the materials to build one

There are many benefits to residential fencing. These include privacy, security, curb appeal and noise reduction. Jeff Beneke, author The Fence Bible says that function is the place to start. Here are some ideas on what fences can do, and how to build one that suits your needs. 

The first step is determining what you want your fence to do. Fences serve many purposes, including:

  • Security Fence Even a 3-foot tall fence can deter criminals, according to Chris McGoey of Los Angeles security experts. He says, “It’s psychological.” “A fence denotes a property.
    It reads, “This is my home, my property.” It will discourage people from stepping over the fence. A small fence around your yard will deter people from trespassing.

  • Privacy fencing: Private property is the luxury of privacy. A high privacy wall can be built to give you the freedom to relax, regardless of how small your yard or deck is.

  • Decoration: A professionally designed fence can frame your home and increase curb appeal. It can also increase your property’s value depending on the quality and design of your fence.

  • Boundary: It is a smart idea to set boundaries, particularly if you have a small property. You can prevent neighbors from intruding on your property by erecting a fence.

  • A fence provides safety and security. They protect pets and children from traffic, strangers, and dangers like ravines, high bluffs, and swimming pools.

     

    Garden protection: A fence can keep your pets safe and prevents stray animals from digging up your yard. A fence around an ornamental or vegetable garden can be constructed well to protect valuable plants from rabbits and foraging deer.

     

  • Weather protection: Snow fencing prevents drifts from getting too big. Protective fences allow you to enjoy your garden or deck in windy areas. Beneke likes louvered fencing for controlling windy patios.

  • Noise: Privacy fences can help to reduce noise. Wood blocks noise better than most fence materials. A hedge or tall vegetation placed in front of the fence can help buffer noise further. Professional fence specialists can provide noise-buffering blankets which can be pulled tight over any fence. These products cost about $12 per linear foot for a 6-foot fence.

    Chris Policastro from Production Fenceworks, Atlanta, states that a high-quality fence can dull sound. It is made of composite or foam-filled aluminum. A 6-foot fence of this type will cost $60-300 per linear foot.

  • Cosmetics: What about trash cans? Propane gas tanks? What about the neighbor’s trampoline. It could be hidden behind a small or large fence. Beneke describes it as putting makeup on a pimple. It’s even more beautiful if you plant a shrub or vine in front of it.

Cost and Planning

Cost and planning are two different disciplines. In cost planning, the needs of the project are defined. Various solutions are proposed and their costs are analyzed. The probable cost of a project is then produced. Both these concepts are related to each other. Various methods of cost control are available. Using these techniques can help avoid problems in the construction process, and will also ensure a firm cost commitment. In the construction industry, the process of cost planning is essential to the success of a building.

The cost plan typically involves a preliminary estimate, which represents the total cost of the project. The overall budget is based on the current scope and design of the project. The consultant uses different types of estimates to arrive at a preliminary cost estimate. The consultant must identify the functional requirements for the proposed project and the client’s limitations. Then, the consultant will determine the costs for each stage and allocate them accordingly. The next step in the process is the development of a cost report.

The cost plan is important because it determines whether a project is achievable within the budget. It will help the designer to provide a number of options, allowing them to choose the best one. The cost plan will also help them determine which option is most cost-effective. In addition, it will give the employer a clear idea of the costs associated with the project. The construction manager will be able to choose the best alternative based on the pre-estimate.