Installing a fence is a project that many homeowners feel comfortable taking on themselves. You may have to enlist the help of some neighbors but with a little elbow grease and by carefully following manufacturer’s instructions, most fences can be installed around an average sized yard in one weekend.
As with all home improvement projects it is a good idea to carefully plan your project, and as a courtesy, discuss with your neighbors what you intend to do. Then when you are just about to begin the project there are three very important things you must do:
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- Location: Check on the exact location of your property lines.
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- Permission: Obtain all necessary building and zoning permits required in your town.
- Utility Lines: Before digging locate all underground utility lines by calling 811 to have utility companies come out and mark the location of lines.
Steps for Installation
Depending on the type of fence you choose the exact installation process will vary and you should always follow the manufacturers instructions (usually provided with the product or available at their website). But in general the process for installing a fence is the same:
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- Determine location of all posts, measure and mark the spots
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- Dig holes for posts being sure to make the hole wider at the bottom
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- Mix & Pour Cement
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- Secure Post in Cement allowing 24 hours to dry
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- Attach Fence panels to fence
- Secure Gate and finishing hardware
Tools Necessary
Again depending on the exact type of fence you intend to install the tools required will vary slightly, but in general the following list covers just about everything you might need when building a new fence:
- Tape Measure
- Level
- Mason String
- Sledge Hammer or mallet
- Post Hole Diggers (or rent a gas powered auger)
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Additional basic tools, such as: screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches etc.
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