Questions You Should Ask About Your Fence Installation

Deciding to put up a fence is not something you decide on a whim. There are questions you need to answer before you can even get to the planning and construction phase. There are at least seven questions you should ask and answer before signing a contract for a fence installation in Winnipeg.

1. What Is the Purpose of the Fence?

Before deciding on any other factors of your potential fence, you must understand why you want a fence. When selecting a fence, you might have various reasons for its installation; for example, you might want it to keep your dog in your yard, or you might want to improve security around the property, or you might want to add a decorative element to your landscaping. Understanding what you expect from a fence can help you narrow down the list regarding materials, height, and decorative elements.

2. How Tall Do You Want or Need the Fence?

How tall is too tall for your fence? If you want to maintain open communication between you and your neighbours, you might not want a fence over four feet. However, if you want to establish security and privacy, you might want a fence at least six feet tall. You will need to check with your city and HOA to determine the tallest your fence can be. Regulatory bodies might have a say in the materials you use for your fence as well.

3. What Materials Are the Best Options for Your Fence?

Often, the cheapest option is chain link fencing, and it is typically ideal for people who want to keep their pets in their yard for an affordable price. However, rod iron decorative fencing is another option with a slightly heftier price tag. You cannot go wrong with a wood fence if you want privacy, especially if installed with staggered boards on both faces. Unfortunately, there is no hard-and-fast rule for selecting a material. You will have to weigh your budget against the pros and cons of each material.

4. What Are the Regulations About Fencing?

While every city likely has rules regarding fencing, property lines, and structures, these rules are not the only regulations you must concern yourself with. If you live in a community with an HOA or some other neighbourhood association, you must also consider the groups rules. Some HOAs will not allow privacy fencing or fences over a certain height. Checking with the city and your HOA will help ensure their are no mishaps during fence installation.

5. Do You Need To Call Local Utilities?

You should always call local utilities to check on any underground wires, gas lines, or pipes. Without checking on utilities you risk serious harm to your property, yourself, and others. Any construction that requires disturbing the soil requires a permit. Unpermitted work is unsafe.

6. Is the Contractor Licensed and Insured?

Before you select a fencing contractor, you might want to select several to assess. With each service, you will need to make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. If you choose to work with a service that does not have the correct insurance or licensing, you open yourself up to liability issues. A licensed and bonded service protects not only its employees but you as well.

7. Does the Contract Include Terms of Payment?

The contract you sign needs to lay out the details of your obligations to the fencing company. In the contract, there should be a section about the terms of payment and a payment schedule. Most contractors and homeowners consider it poor business to require payment upfront. Instead, the company should receive payment at specific times during the construction process.
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