Fence building should be relatively straightforward, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few pitfalls. And we don’t just mean the Houston permitting process (which is relatively simple thanks to the iPermits system).

There are five mistakes that we, as Houston fence builders, routinely see homeowners make. In this post, we’ll warn you about them, and give you some alternatives. 

#1) Failing to Consider Every Option

Many of our customers default to wooden fences: one of the cheapest and most classic options. But there are a wealth of other options, and some of those might be financially wiser in the long run.

For example, have you considered a masonry fence or a metal fence that could last you for 50 years or more before requiring replacement? They typically require less maintenance, too. If you have the means to consider the longer-term investment, it might be a good idea to give it some thought.  

#2) Failing to Research the Property

Are you so sure you know where your actual property line is? Drift over into your neighbor’s space, and they can demand you tear down the fence. Is your fence in the A or V flood zone? You might end up operating under different restrictions. 

Have you called Texas 811 to get your gas lines flagged? Have you spoken to your HOA to determine whether there are any restrictions on fence height and materials? 

While we generally help with some of these logistics, we urge our homeowners to do their own research as well. Doing so offers peace of mind. 

#3) Failing to Warn the Neighbors

You have every right to build a fence on your own property, but it doesn’t hurt to give your neighbors the heads up. This can smooth over any potential negative feelings in advance.

Negative feelings over what, you ask? The noise, the fence itself, the way the fence is meant to look.

Failing to smooth over these feelings can lead to full scale neighborhood wars, malicious fence damage, and a host of other headaches. Nobody needs that, so throw a quick BBQ, show them the design you’re thinking about, and create a little goodwill. 

#4) Failure to Consider Maintenance 

Are you slammed for time 24/7/365? Then you probably want a vinyl fence or a metal fence, not a wooden fence that needs cleaning, staining, and regular inspections to stay upright and looking good. 

Living a slow life and love the look and feel of wood? Go for it! Just know exactly what you’re getting into. 

#5) Attempting to DIY It 

There are certainly fence kits at big box stores, but the results of building that fence will never be as beautiful, prestigious, or long-lasting as the custom fences we build here at Lone Star Fence & Construction. Plus, you miss the opportunity to add an automatic gate to your fence, which is the finishing touch nearly every property needs.

Find out what it’s going to take to let experts handle the job. Reach out to Lone Star Fence & Construction today.