7 steps to picking the perfect fence
“You have no idea what a big day this is for you.” I am talking to Peapod and Pippin, my dogs, breaking the big news. “Today, you’re getting a FENCE! And you know what that means? A yard to run around in! A border to patrol!” High on the list of amenities DC and I sought when looking for our new home was a yard for the dogs. Our last home had a charming, but small enclosed courtyard. The new house has a yard, but no fence. The lawn opens straight onto a greenbelt so inviting that any dog with half a serving of instincts could be lured into oblivion and absorbed by the great green universe beyond — or a busy street.
We figured a fence would take three weeks tops. Only then did we confront the many hurdles that stood between us and border control: design decisions, approvals, contractor selection, estimates, permits, ordering of materials, the wait for an available installation crew. Three weeks became three months.
We knew we wanted an aluminum fence because it would blend in with our neighborhood, would keep our dogs in and intruders out, and wouldn’t block our view to the open space. We got three highly educational estimates. Here’s what I learned:
Focus on function: When choosing a fence, first decide the purpose. Do you want privacy (slats must touch) security, a border to protect your dogs or kids, a defined yard, pool safety, or all of the above? In our case, we wanted to see out and keep our dogs in.
Pick your look: Look at your home and those around you to determine what fence style fits aesthetically. As a general rule, think Cape Cod and Georgian with picket; Tudor and craftsman with brick or stone; Spanish Mediterranean and urban traditional with metal. Ranch and farmhouse with wood.
Consider cost and care: Today according to the American Fence Association, the most popular residential fences are chain link, wood, vinyl and aluminum. Chain link is the most popular fencing system in the world. Though low on style, it’s also low cost and low maintenance. Wood is pretty and today many types are treated to resist insects and weather, but it will still need maintenance. Vinyl is becoming a popular alternative because it requires virtually no maintenance, but sometimes it can look a bit too synthetic. Aluminum costs a bit more, but is stylish, unobtrusive and doesn’t rust.
Set your boundaries: Before your fence goes up, check with those who’ll be affected. You don’t want to cross any lines literally or figuratively. You will need to have a survey of your property to be sure you don’t overstep.
Get permission: If you live in a community with a homes’ association, as we do, find out what the restrictions are. We needed a letter from our HOA to get a permit from the city, which was also required. The fencing contractor arranged for the city utility company to come out and flag the water, electric and gas lines, so they wouldn’t get disrupted.
Dial in details: Walk the job with your fence contractor to be sure you agree on exactly where the fence will run, where gates will go, which way they will swing, and to determine whether you need to clear any shrubbery. Wait: Once all systems are go, get in the queue. Most fence companies were scheduling five to seven weeks out.
The day the fence went up, I opened the back door. “Go out!” I commanded. The dogs looked at me twice to make sure I meant it. They tippawed out, unused to having no strings attached. Peapod made the first dash to the fence line. Pippin followed, and together they traced the new border and took in the feel of freedom only a fence can provide.