Where fencing jobs go wrong
Fencing problems range from cosmetic (wavy fence lines, gaps between panels) to expensive (property line disputes, leaning posts after the first hard winter). Most structural problems trace back to post installation. Most legal problems trace back to skipped permits and unverified property lines.
The 10 pitfalls
Building over or on the property line
A fence even a few inches over the property line can result in a demand to remove and rebuild it.
No permit
Most jurisdictions require permits for fences over a certain height.
Posts not set below the frost line
In cold climates, posts set above the frost line will heave out of the ground through freeze-thaw cycles.
Wrong concrete type or amount
Fast-setting concrete that is not properly mixed or tamped, insufficient concrete around the post, or concrete that does not extend the full depth of the hole all result in unstable posts.
Not using pressure-treated wood rated for ground contact
There are different grades of pressure treatment.
Cheap gate hardware
Budget hinges sag under gate weight.
No post caps on wood posts
Water sitting on the top end grain of a wood post is the primary cause of post rot.
No string line during installation
A fence installed without a reference string line will follow the natural variation in the installer's eye.
Paying in full before the fence is complete and inspected
Hold back payment until the fence is complete, level, straight, and the gate functions properly.
Not accounting for demo and disposal of old fence
Old fence removal is labor and disposal cost that is frequently not included in fence installation quotes.
The short version
Verify the property line. Confirm the permit requirement. Get post depth in writing. Ask about concrete spec and post caps. Inspect gate hardware before signing. Pay in stages. Those six things prevent the most common and expensive fencing problems.
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