Consider Installing a New Fence When Selling Your Home

People choose to have fences installed on their property for all sorts of reasons, whether it is for increased privacy, increased safety or just to have an enclosed area where children or pets can play without wandering off. After deciding that you want to enclose your property with a fence, there are several things that should be done before any ground breaks on the project. Use the following tips when having a fence installed on your property.

Inform Your Neighbors

If you live in a neighborhood where homes are relatively close together and share common property lines, it is a good idea to let your adjacent neighbors know about your plan to have a fence installed. While doing this is not necessarily required, it can prevent any future feelings of ill will and ensure that your neighbors are not caught off guard by any noise associated with the installation process.

Double-Check Your Property Lines

When you're spending your money to invest in a fence for your yard, the last thing you want to do is accidentally erect it outside of your property line. Never guess about the location of your property lines—it is essential to consult a lot-plat map before fence installation. If a current lot-plat map is not available, you may need to have your lot surveyed to determine exactly where your property lines are. 

Consult the HOA

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association, you will need to read the rules of any mandates of the community to see whether you are allowed to have a fence installed on your property. In the event that fences are allowed, to build a fence, you may be required to submit plans to ensure that the design and materials you plan to use are acceptable.

Obtain Permits

In many cities and municipalities, you are required to get your plans approved and obtain a permit before you can have a fence installed. In some cases, if you hire a fencing company to install your fence, they can take care of the permits for you. But if you hire an independent contractor to install your fence, it may be your responsibility to get a permit. No matter what route you use, verify that any needed permits have been obtained before the project begins.

Failure to have a proper building permit can result in your having to take your fence down; even if you are not caught, it can be difficult to sell your home if you can prove that you had an approved building permit for your fence.