Why Installing Your Own Fence is a Bad Idea
There are some projects that make perfect sense to tackle with your tool belt and a healthy dose of DIY spirit. Installing your own fence just isn’t one of them.
As Lancaster and Chester Counties’ fencing expert, Smucker Fencing has helped countless homeowners who took a stab at DIY fence installation and ended up needing some help. For 99% of homeowners, building your own fence is simply more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why we put this blog together to show you some of the hidden challenges that make installing your own fence a big risk.
Read our blog to learn more about how DIY fence installation often goes wrong – and to get a quote from your local, trusted fence installers.
5 Common DIY Fence Installation Mistakes & Issues
Most of the time, DIY projects sound way better than they really are. A lot of homeowners think installing their own fence sounds like a fun way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon – all while saving some cash, too.
The reality is DIY fence installation is a challenge, and it’s a job better left to the professionals. Not only will you probably end up frustrated if you tackle the install yourself, but you may lose money on it, too. Here are the most common fence installation issues – and why you’re better off trusting the pros.
Most of the time, DIY projects sound way better than they really are. A lot of homeowners think installing their own fence sounds like a fun way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon – all while saving some cash, too.
The reality is DIY fence installation is a challenge, and it’s a job better left to the professionals. Not only will you probably end up frustrated if you tackle the install yourself, but you may lose money on it, too. Here are the most common fence installation issues – and why you’re better off trusting the pros.
- You Don’t Have the Proper Equipment (Or Experience)— While installing a fence isn’t the most high-tech undertaking, you do need some tools that you probably don’t have lying around your garage. Primarily, you’ll need an augur to dig holes and a crimping tool for the fence. Renting these tools for a few weekends can prove to be pretty pricey, and since you aren’t trained to use them, you may end up damaging your yard, the fence materials you bought, or yourself.
- Fencing Isn’t Straight — This is by far one of the most common DIY fence installation mistakes we see. Lining up the posts of a fence is a challenge if you don’t have years of experience doing it. If the fence post holes themselves weren’t dug properly, your fence won’t line up straight. Not only does this look bad, but it can actually weaken the fence, too. Learn more about measuring for your fence.
- Holes Aren’t Deep Enough – Another common mistake that first-time fence installers make. The right depth for the fence posts differs for each type of fence style – and getting this right is necessary to ensure the fence stays in place for good. Oftentimes, homeowners dig holes that aren’t deep enough, which can cause the fence to tilt to one side or even fall over completely. This is an issue we’re often brought in to fix, which can be expensive since we’ll need to remove the old fence and re-install it.
- Wrong Concrete Mix – Most vinyl and aluminum fence materials last a lifetime – make sure your installation doesn’t let them down early. Another common issue we see with DIY fence installations is that homeowners often get the concrete mix wrong. Even when mixed improperly, the concrete will still set, but it won’t be nearly as strong.
- Yard Elevation Mistakes – If your yard has numerous different elevations to take into account, it can make installing your own fence that much more challenging. To keep your fence completely level, you’ll need to calculate and account for all of the different little peaks and valleys in your yard. Getting this right really requires an expert-level skill set – and fortunately, that’s what we’re here for. Learn more about picking the right fence height for your needs.
Designing Your Perfect Backyard Fence
When you love your home, you want to be involved in all of the improvements and add-ons around the house. While we don’t recommend that homeowners install their own fences, we always welcome them to take part in the design process.
Every fence we build begins with a design consultation in which we show you all of the options for fence style and color. This is the perfect place to get creative and envision the right fence to enhance your outdoor décor.
See the brand new vinyl and aluminum fence colors.
Get a Free Fence Installation Quote
Not only can installing your own fence be extremely frustrating, it can actually cause you to lose money – especially if you have to pay an expert to step in halfway through. That’s why we recommend going with a professional, right from the start.
When you’re ready to take the next step toward getting your ideal backyard fence, reach out for a free in-home consultation and a free quote. Contact us to start the conversation today!
