Backyard fences are common. However, while front yard fences are not as popular, they’re certainly not unusual. Backyard and front yard fences are used for a variety of different reasons. You might be considering putting a fence around your front yard as a security measure. It is a barrier that keeps unwanted animals and people away from your foundation and home. By adding a functional yet decorative fence to your front yard, you can increase the curb appeal of your property. Adding a front yard fence can add an extra layer of safety measures for kids or pets to play outside. If installing a front yard fence sounds like a good idea to you, continue reading to read our answers to some frequently asked questions to think about when adding fencing in your front yard.
Can I install a front yard fence?
The short answer is yes, of course. You can certainly fence your front yard, but it may be more complicated than a simple yes or no. There may be a multitude of reasons for extra steps in the process of installing a front yard fence.
Does your neighborhood have a homeowners association? If so, you will likely need approval or to follow their guidelines regarding a fence on your property. Different homeowners associations have different rules, so it completely depends on your specific area and property. Read more about homeowners associations information here.
Some cities have ordinances that prevent installing a front yard fence. There may be a limit on the type of materials, location, or height of the fence. Ordinances can have rules on whether the fence is front-facing, can be pass-through, or even have regulations on lawnmower information. Additionally, before beginning the process of installing a front yard fence, you will want to find out if your fence project will require a building permit. A quick online search or phone call to your local city hall or homeowners association will give you the information you need. Being prepared and getting all the information before installing a front yard fence is very important. Make sure to do your research before starting the project!
Do I need a survey before installing a front yard fence?
Before you start your fencing project, you’ll need to know where to put the fence. A property survey is a document created by a surveyor that establishes a property’s boundaries and rights of way. This way you know the exact measurements and division line between your property and your neighbors’ properties.
A common mistake that we see is not getting the property surveyed before starting to build. To make sure that you accurately build your fence on your own property and not partially on your neighbor’s land, you should get your property surveyed. If you’ve lost your property survey from a previous time, you may be able to contact the country’s records office to obtain a copy of the surveying.
Having a property survey is a way to protect your investment in the fence. Before any building begins, it is a way to ensure that you won’t need to redo the construction of the fencing. The property survey will detail where to install the fencing to make sure there is not any encroaching on a neighbor’s property or public property. While this may seem like a tedious step in the process of installing a front yard fence. It is much easier to build the fence once, in the correct spot, than having to remove it and adjust the line, and rebuilding it after the project has already begun.
How tall can a fence be in the front yard?
One of the best things to do is to look around your neighborhood. Do other houses on your street have front yard fencing? If so, how tall are the fences? If not, do you have a homeowners association that prevents installing a front yard fence?
A good rule of thumb is to follow neighborhood trends when adding a front yard fence, in terms of both size and style. A front yard fence typically has to be set back two to eight inches from sidewalks and property lines. Some cities will have additional requirements regarding height and location, so this is where researching in advance is very important. Check with a surveyor and the homeowners association to see what requirements are necessary before installing a front yard fence.
Whatever your practical reasons are for installing a front yard fence, you’ll want to be careful to add and not detract from your home’s value. For that reason alone you may want to consider the overall look of homes in your area, regardless of whether or not there are specific restrictions or guidelines for fence installation. You don’t want your house to stand out negatively too much from the other houses in the neighborhood.
How can I make my front yard more private?
To make your front yard more private, you’ll want to carefully consider your fencing materials. This is what determines how much privacy your fence will actually provide. While picket and wrought iron fences can be very visually appealing, they tend not to offer as much height or privacy as a wooden fence. A traditional white picket fence is usually no more than 3 feet tall. Again, this may be what you are looking for! Something short and small to add visual aesthetics to your home may be perfect for what you are trying to achieve in your property. However, if your goal for installing a front yard fence is to add an extra measure of privacy, a short picket or wire fence will not be the best option for you.
Along with a wooden fence, another option for more private fencing is a chain link fence with added slats for privacy and style. If you do opt for fencing with more gaps between slats, you could add your own personal touches. You can plant bushes, trees, or other shrubs along the inside of your fence to decrease visibility from the street while keeping it natural and adding extra visual appeal.
If all of this sounds like a lot of information to digest, remember the professionals at Bravo Fencing Company are there to help!
What materials can I use for my front yard fence?
Fences come in a variety of materials for different price points and climates. You want to choose a material that is durable and can withstand the harsh climate conditions in your area. You should factor in the upkeep for each of the materials as well. Most people looking to install fencing want a material that requires little to no upkeep. However, some others want a project to keep them busy and give them something to do!
For warmer, wetter climates, vinyl is the best material choice, as wood is more susceptible to water damage. Nowadays most traditional-looking white picket fences are actually made out of vinyl or PVC, not wood. In very cold climates, wood, PVC, and metal (aluminum, steel, or chain-link) fences are the most durable. What we think of as wrought iron fences are now typically made of aluminum and powder-coated to add color. These do require a bit more upkeep than other materials, so factor that into your decision.
Natural wood is a popular material for front yard fences and quite a versatile option. It can be designed and finished to coordinate with just about any style of home. If you opt for a metal fence, you can still add variety and style by adding wooden, stone, or brick columns or posts. A specialist with a professional fencing company will be able to help you choose the best materials for your climate, budget, and home style. We want to make sure we achieve all of your goals for installing a front yard fence while getting the best bang for your buck and checking off all of the items you are looking for in your new fence!
Does a front fence add value?
Adding a front yard fence can increase your curb appeal which may boost your property value. To ensure the best return on investment, you’ll want to carefully consider styles and materials that will complement and accent your home. You do not want to distract from your home itself, only enhance certain aspects of it. The front yard fence should add the finishing touch to your already stunning home!
Touring your neighborhood to see what other homeowners have done and researching trends online can help you narrow down the perfect aesthetic for your new fence. Again, you want to make sure the front yard fence completes the whole picture. By looking around the neighborhood you can get a feel of what looks good and what maybe doesn’t work as well with certain homes. It is an easy way to see what you like in a fence! Also, you want to ensure that installing a front yard fence isn’t going to make your house stand out unfavorably. If many other houses have a fence, then adding one to your property won’t stick out in a bad way. If you are the first one in the area to add one, it may be weird.
You could also start a movement to where many others like the look of your property, and then they may add a fence to their home as well! All of these things can be gauged and assessed by going around the neighborhood and seeing what your area looks like.
What is the best time of year to install a fence?
Installation depends a lot on the climate where you live. In colder climates, frozen ground can make installation more complicated. It can be quite difficult to break through the frozen ground to install the fencing. However, if you’re not concerned about snow and ice, winter can be a great time to install your fencing, so it will be ready by spring. Spring tends to be the busiest, most popular season for fence installation, so keep that in mind when planning your project timeline.
We want to make sure you get your fence completed in the timeframe you are wanting, so planning ahead is an easy way to do that. If you have a particular season or timing in mind, it’s best to put it on our radar earlier rather than later. To get in contact with us, click here.
What do I need to know before putting up a fence?
Along with following regulations and choosing your design and materials, there are a few more topics to consider before you begin a fencing project:
Value
Keep in mind that a general rule of thumb is that landscaping accounts for about 15% of your property’s value. On the one hand, this means that installing new fencing can be a great investment to boost your home’s property value. On the other hand, it also makes sense to consider your other reasons for the fencing. You’ll want to find a good balance between your budget and your intended usage to ensure a beautiful and practical final result. We want you to be happy with your new fencing without having to go over budget and without having to compromise on style and privacy.
Being a good neighbor
You should also consider neighborly fencing etiquette. After you’ve checked all the boxes with a land survey and local fence laws about installing a front yard fence, have a conversation with your neighbors. Let them know you plan to build a fence, as it may change how their property looks, too. It also requires extra people around the properties, and you want to make sure they are aware of construction workers parking on the street and coming near their homes as well. Be a kind neighbor and let them know in advance!
Gates
When installing a front yard fence, you also need to plan out gate entrances. Fences should typically include at least two gate entrances, with one of them being slightly wider to accommodate bulky equipment.
For the front-facing gate, a 3-foot wide opening will easily accommodate pedestrians. However, for a side gate, usually, people end up opting for a wider entrance for items such as trash bins, lawnmowers, and other yard equipment. Usually, a 4-foot wide gate entrance is large enough to allow for easy pass-through of equipment; however, take note of the equipment you have and how much clearance would be needed. Think about the items you use for landscaping or if you complete projects around your house that require bigger items passing through the gate entrances.
How do I get started installing a front yard fence?
Fence installation is harder than it looks, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals to ensure a beautiful and safe building process. You’re also better off hiring a fencing specialist if your home project involves an automatic driveway gate, stone or brick elements, or any other feature that’s more complicated than your basic fence panels. When you hire a professional fencing company, you are getting their knowledge and expertise. They can give you advice on everything you need to complete before installing a front yard fence. There are a lot of items that have to be marked off on your checklist, so having professionals makes that an easier process.
When you hire a licensed company like Bravo Fence Company, you have the quality assurance of bonded and insured professionals. Fences don’t have to be just for the backyard. With plenty of front yard fencing options, you can enhance your home’s landscape design and make better use of your space.
