Thinking of installing a fence, but not sure if you should have it installed by a professional or start a DIY project yourself? Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.
The very first fences date back to Neolithic times and when humans started settling in the same place and started farming. Fences provide security and privacy and have long been used to protect what is ours. Whether you want to keep your animals in and predators out, protect your garden crops from foraging wildlife, erect a boundary around your entire perimeter, demarcate areas inside your property, or create a secluded place away from the prying eyes of your neighbors – there are many reasons for wanting to put up a fence. One of the first questions to ask yourself is whether you want to go through a professional installation or if you prefer to do it yourself. Do you prefer the work of a craftsman with a proven technique or do you prefer to experiment with an inexpensive construction technique that uses local, recovered or recycled materials? It’s up to you to make a choice to ultimately have a fence that is both beautiful and functional.
Make your own fence
Advantages
One of the advantages of installing a fence yourself is that you don’t have to pay labor costs to a company. It usually ends up being cheaper in the end, and that’s one of the main reasons most people consider this DIY (Do It Yourself) solution in the first place. By installing a fence yourself, you can also choose exactly what you want in terms of materials, styles, etc., only limited by your own abilities and local regulations. Some companies may be limited in their options. So if you have a very specific idea in mind, it can be a hindrance to go through this type of provider. Not to mention the pride you’ll feel after putting up a fence and being able to look at it every day knowing you built it.
Disadvantages
Installing a fence on your own is not without problems. Although you can save on a company’s labor costs, you will spend your time installing the fence. Keep in mind that most fence installers have teams of several people, which speeds up the process. If it’s just you and a friend or two, you could be looking at long hours of hard work. If you are completely new to building handmade fences, you will need to do a considerable amount of research beforehand. You will need to make sure that you are using the right materials, that you have all the right tools – indeed you will need to hire equipment such as a core drill or perhaps a jackhammer and other small tools – that you respect local regulations and that you double-check your property boundaries. It is also possible that it will go wrong down the line if your installation is not perfect. The cost of having your fence repaired or even replaced by a professional would make the final cost higher than if you had hired them in the first place. Do-it-yourself fence kits can no doubt make your life easier, but in the end, you can’t weigh your experience against that of an expert who has years of experience.
Hire a professional to install your fence
Advantages
Although the money you’ll spend on a professional service to install your fence is far more than the money you’ll spend to do it yourself, keep in mind that you’re also paying for the specialist’s expertise. If a contractor has been installing fences for a few years, they will likely have installed dozens of fences. Few owners can say they’ve done the same. There is also the time you will save by hiring a team. Typically, a fence can be installed in one to three days by professionals.
So, rather than spending time researching, preparing, and hours of hard work installing a fence yourself, you can relax and let experienced professionals take care of it for you.
Disadvantages
The budget envelope can definitely be an issue when hiring a team to install a fence for you. Take into account that you are not only paying for the materials, but also for the labor. If your budget is tight, this may not be the right choice for you. However, there is no need to be put off by the cost. Some companies may let you pay in instalments or even offer financing plans.
In conclusion, all in all, if you are someone who has free time, has experience in carpentry or construction, and has a few friends who can help you, you would be a good candidate to install a fence by yourself. If you don’t have experience in this area, are short on time, and want a professional team to install a fence quickly, consider hiring someone to do it for you.