A wood privacy fence carries many benefits, not least of which is privacy. Such fences are also good for neighbors because both sides benefit from the privacy. Likewise, you'll even get some sound-dampening qualities from a wood fence. All of these benefits add up to a wood privacy fence that adds value to your house.
So, you may have decided a wood privacy fence is right for you. Now you'd maybe like to know what to expect concerning such a fence.
What Fencing Company Estimators Do
One of the first steps you'll make, of course, is to contact local fencing companies for an estimate of the cost for your fence. Privacy fencing costs vary widely depending on the size of your yard, the chosen height, the species of wood, and the style of privacy fence chosen. Naturally, fencing companies won't be able to give you an estimate over the phone, so they'll send out an estimator.
Estimators
are the ones who arrive at your property. They'll measure the size of the area you want fenced in and consider slopes or existing fencing. They'll also talk to you about what you envision with the above factors as well as any customization options. These options can include the wood staining, fence toppers, post caps, and, of course, the gate. Estimates are usually free of charge.
What Questions to Ask
When you talk with fencing companies you're potentially going to hire, you should have a series of questions ready. Such questions should be related both to the legality of your fencing project and the design of the fence.
Find out if any city regulations affect the height of your fence. Likewise, you'll need permits for the project - you'll want to know who's responsible for pulling them. In that vein, ask also who's responsible for contacting the utility companies before digging. Many fencing companies offer a warranty on their work and/or the materials, so ask about that topic as well.
Questions of design may start already with the estimator. However, get some specifics about the pros and cons of different materials and styles. Likewise, ask about usage of the fence. Some fencing companies recommend you keep all plant life from touching the fence while others might suggest special coatings.
How Long You Wait for Installation
As soon as you've had the estimator out, you might be raring to go to get your fence installed. Well, unfortunately, fencing companies usually send out estimators right away even when they're not ready to take on a new project. Depending on your area, you might have to wait
four to six weeks
before the project even begins.
Indeed, when you talk to your local fencing company, try to get a timeline nailed down for the project. For example, a small crew usually comes out two weeks before the start of the project to sink in the fence posts. This timeline allows the concrete to dry. Make sure to ask, too, how inclement weather might affect the timeline.
What to Expect During Installation
Installation of a custom wood privacy fence is an involved process. As noted above, the process will start a couple of weeks before the official installation day. However, once you have your posts installed, you should feel comfortable that the main work will start soon.
The fencing installers will have to frame out the fence with the top and bottom rails. They'll be doing a lot of measuring and cutting on-site. Once they have the fence framed out, they'll install the pickets. Typically, these arrive already cut, so the installers usually only have to nail them to the frame. They'll also work on the gate.
The length of time for the fence installation depends on the size of your property and how elaborate a fence you've chosen. During the day or days of installation, expect noise and some debris to be strewn around. However, once the job is complete, the contractors should clean up the area.
A wood privacy fence is a great investment, but installation is a big project. When you're ready to talk about your project, contact
Sam's Fencing Inc.