Installing a new fence is an exciting way to improve your property, add privacy, create a secure space for pets and children, or add a finished look to your yard. But before the first fence post is installed, there are a few important steps Jacksonville homeowners should take to prepare their property.
Whether you are planning a vinyl privacy fence, an aluminum fence, a pool fence, or another custom fencing solution, proper preparation can help make the installation process smoother and help ensure your finished fence fits your property correctly.
Decide What You Want Your Fence to Accomplish
Before preparing your property, determine what you want your new fence to do.
If privacy is your primary goal, a vinyl privacy fence can create a more enclosed backyard and reduce visibility from neighboring properties. Vinyl fencing is available in several privacy styles, including tongue-and-groove and other solid designs, as well as semi-private and decorative options.
If you want to define your property while maintaining an open view, aluminum fencing may be a better fit. Aluminum is especially popular for front yards, pool areas, and properties where visibility is important.
Your fence may also need to contain pets, create a play area, provide pool protection, or simply define your property lines. Identifying your primary goals early will make it easier to choose the right material, style, height, and layout.
Check Your HOA Requirements
If you live in a Jacksonville-area neighborhood with a homeowners association, check your HOA requirements before scheduling installation.
HOAs may have rules regarding fence height, location, material, color, style, or placement. Some communities require an approval package before work can begin.
Best Fence & Rail has decades of experience helping homeowners navigate the HOA process and can assist with requirements such as surveys, material photos, proof of insurance, and other documentation. Getting approval before installation can help prevent unnecessary delays or changes later.
Confirm Your Property Lines
Knowing where your property begins and ends is an important part of planning a new fence.
Your fence may need to follow an irregular property line, accommodate landscaping, or work around existing structures. A professional fence installer can help plan a layout that follows the contours and geographic perimeter of your property.
Custom fencing is especially useful when a yard has slopes, curves, unusual dimensions, or other features that make a standard fence layout difficult.
Clear the Fence Line
One of the most helpful things you can do before installation is make sure the planned fence line is accessible.
Remove or relocate items that could interfere with the installation, such as:
- Outdoor furniture
- Toys and play equipment
- Lawn decorations
- Potted plants
- Yard equipment
- Temporary structures
- Other objects located along the planned fence line
Depending on the property, landscaping may also need to be trimmed or addressed before installation. Your fence professional can help identify areas that may require additional preparation.
Consider Existing Landscaping
Trees, shrubs, flower beds, irrigation systems, and other landscaping features should be considered when planning your fence.
A new fence does not always need to follow a perfectly straight path. Custom fencing can be designed around certain property features while still creating a clean, finished perimeter.
This is also a good time to think about how your landscaping will look alongside your new fence. For example, an aluminum fence can maintain visibility around landscaping and pool areas, while a vinyl privacy fence can create a solid backdrop behind plants and outdoor living spaces.
Plan for Gates and Access
Do not forget to plan your gates before installation.
Think about how you will use the property every day. You may need a walk gate for people, a double driveway gate for vehicles, or a larger custom gate for equipment.
Gate placement can affect how easily you access your driveway, backyard, pool area, or other parts of your property. Planning gate locations at the beginning helps ensure they work with the overall fence layout rather than becoming an afterthought.
Best Fence & Rail offers custom aluminum and vinyl gates designed to fit the opening and property layout.
Planning a Pool Fence? Start With Safety
Pool fencing requires additional planning because Florida has specific pool safety requirements.
If your project involves a swimming pool, make sure the fence and gate are planned around the applicable safety requirements before installation begins. Best Fence & Rail offers both aluminum and vinyl pool fencing and has experience helping homeowners choose options that meet applicable standards.
Aluminum pool fences are popular when homeowners want a secure barrier while maintaining visibility around the pool. Vinyl pool fencing is also an option when privacy or a more enclosed appearance is preferred.
Planning these requirements in advance can help avoid having to make changes after installation.
Choose Your Fence Material Before Installation Day
Preparing your property also means knowing which type of fence you want installed.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is a popular choice for Jacksonville homeowners who want privacy, low maintenance, and a clean finished appearance. It is available in privacy, semi-private, picket, ornamental, and other styles. Vinyl is also designed to withstand Florida’s heat, humidity, and salt air.
For homeowners looking for a privacy fence, vinyl is particularly useful because solid styles can create a more secluded backyard.
Aluminum Fencing
Aluminum fencing provides a more open appearance while creating a defined property boundary. It is commonly used around pools, front yards, landscaping, and areas where homeowners want to maintain visibility.
Best Fence & Rail’s aluminum fencing is powder coated for Florida’s climate and designed to resist the effects of heat, humidity, and salt air.
Custom Fence Options
Not every property needs the same fence throughout the entire yard. A custom fence design can combine different layouts, heights, gates, and materials to create a solution based on how you use the property.
The goal is to create a fence that fits the property rather than forcing the property to fit a standard fence.
Make Sure Your Installation Area Is Accessible
On installation day, the crew will need access to the areas where the fence will be installed.
If possible, make sure gates, side yards, driveways, and other access points are available. Move vehicles and other large items away from the installation area when necessary.
If you have questions about access or preparation, discuss them with your fence company before installation day. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make the process easier for everyone.
What to Expect From Best Fence & Rail
Best Fence & Rail of Florida provides custom vinyl and aluminum fencing throughout Jacksonville and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.
The company uses trained W-2 employees for installations rather than 1099 subcontractors. Best Fence & Rail is also fully licensed and insured, and most standard residential fence installations can be completed in a single day.
Professional estimators can also bring material samples to your free estimate appointment, allowing you to see and compare fencing options before making a decision.
Ready to Prepare for Your New Fence?
A little preparation before installation can go a long way toward creating a smooth fencing project. Start by identifying what you need your fence to accomplish, checking HOA requirements, confirming your property layout, preparing the fence line, planning gates, and choosing the material and style that fit your property.
Whether you are looking for a vinyl privacy fence, an aluminum fence, a pool fence, or a completely custom fencing solution, Best Fence & Rail can help you plan the right fence for your Jacksonville property.
Ready to get started? Request a free estimate from Best Fence & Rail of Florida and start planning your new fence today.
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Best Fence and Rail of Florida is Northeast Florida’s industry leader in the fabrication and installation of top-quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and railing. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience.