Installing a fence is a significant investment in your property, whether it’s residential or commercial. However, common fencing mistakes can lead to unnecessary costs, legal issues, and structural problems. Hiring a professional Fencing Contractor can help you avoid these issues and ensure a durable, compliant, and high-quality fence.
As an experienced Fencing Contractor with years of experience in timber fencing, Colorbond fencing, aluminium fencing, and pool fencing, I want to share key insights to help you avoid these pitfalls.
Table of Contents
- Ignoring Property Boundaries
- Neglecting Utility Checks
- Misplacing Gates
- Insufficient Fence Post Depth
- Overlooking Regulations
- Why Choose Our Services to Avoid Fencing Mistakes?
1. Ignoring Property Boundaries
Failing to confirm property boundaries is one of the most frequent fencing mistakes, often leading to disputes with neighbours and even legal actions. Hiring a professional Fencing Contractor can help prevent such issues by ensuring accurate boundary placement.
- Accurate Surveys:
Always engage a licensed surveyor to confirm the exact boundaries of your property. Relying on old documents or neighbourly assumptions can lead to costly mistakes. - Boundary Markers:
Clearly mark property lines before beginning construction to ensure your fencing is within your property. This can include flags, stakes, or temporary spray paint. - Council Approval:
In Newcastle, check with your local council regarding requirements for shared boundary fences. Often, councils require agreement with neighbours before commencing work. - Conflict Avoidance: Engage your neighbours early in the planning process to address any concerns they might have about the fence location.
2. Neglecting Utility Checks
Not checking for underground utilities before digging can result in severe damages, costly repairs, and significant safety hazards, which is why hiring a professional Fencing Contractor is essential.
- Contact Utility Providers:
In Australia, services like Dial Before You Dig can help identify underground pipes, cables, and other infrastructure on your property. - Site Marking:
After contacting utility providers, they will mark locations of underground utilities. Ensure these areas are avoided when digging post holes. - Safety First: Striking a gas line or electric cable poses serious risks. Plan your project timeline to allow utility checks before beginning excavation.
3. Misplacing Gates
Proper gate placement is essential for accessibility, convenience, and the overall usability of your outdoor space, and a skilled Fencing Contractor can help ensure it is done correctly.
- Accessibility Needs:
Consider how you will use your outdoor areas. For example, a gate near the driveway provides easy access to vehicles, while one near the garden may be practical for maintenance. - Width Considerations:
Ensure gates are wide enough for practical use. A standard pedestrian gate might suffice at 900mm wide, but gates for equipment like lawnmowers or trailers may require at least 1.2m. - Traffic Flow:
Position gates to align with natural walking paths. For example, place a gate opposite the main door for seamless entry to the backyard. - Durability and Style: Select hinges and latches that can withstand Newcastle’s variable climate, ensuring gates remain functional and stylish for years.
4. Insufficient Fence Post Depth
Fence stability is highly dependent on the depth of the posts. A Fencing Contractor knows that setting posts too shallow can compromise the entire structure.
- Recommended Depths:
In Newcastle, where soils can vary, posts should be buried at least one-third of their total height. For a 1.8m fence, this typically means a minimum depth of 600mm. - Concrete Foundations:
Use concrete to secure posts. Ensure the mix is properly set to avoid leaning or shifting over time. - Adapt to Conditions:
For areas with sandy or loose soil, consider going deeper or using wider posts to enhance stability. - Weather Resistance: Deep posts ensure fences can withstand Newcastle’s weather conditions, including strong coastal winds and seasonal rains.
5. Overlooking Regulations
Local fencing regulations vary between councils, and failing to comply can result in fines or costly modifications, so it is advisable to consult a Fencing Contractor for guidance.
- Know the Rules:
Newcastle City Council has specific guidelines on fence height, materials, and placement. For instance, pool fences must meet strict safety standards, including minimum heights and self closing gates. - Neighbour Disputes:
Local laws often require neighbours to share the cost of a boundary fence. Discuss plans openly to avoid misunderstandings. - Permits and Approvals:
Check if your fence requires a permit, especially for retaining walls, pool fences, or structures exceeding standard heights. - Stay Updated:
Regulations may change, so consult council websites or contact their offices directly before commencing your project.
By following these detailed steps and examples, you can avoid common fencing mistakes and ensure your project is successful, compliant, and neighbourly.
Why Choose Our Services to Avoid Fencing Mistakes?
- Expertise: With extensive experience in various fencing types, we ensure top quality and service.
- Compliance: We stay updated with local regulations to keep your project legal and hassle free.
- Custom Solutions: We tailor our services to meet your specific needs and property layout.
- Durability: We use high quality materials and techniques to build fences that last.
- Customer Service: Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer support from start to finish.
For more details or to request a free quote, contact us today. Let us help you build a fence that enhances your property’s value and functionality.
FAQs
Ignoring property boundaries can have serious repercussions, including disputes with neighbours, legal battles, and potentially being required to remove or relocate your fence. Such disputes can strain relationships, increase costs, and waste valuable time. Additionally, erecting a fence on someone else’s property may be considered trespassing, leading to fines or legal penalties. It’s always best to consult property title deeds, council plans, or hire a surveyor to verify your boundaries before any fencing project. Taking this step ensures your project starts on the right foot and avoids unnecessary headaches later on.
Before digging, always contact “Dial Before You Dig” (DBYD) to identify underground utilities like gas, water, sewerage, and power lines. This free service provides plans showing the location of utilities on your property, allowing you to avoid damaging them. Striking a utility line can be dangerous, causing power outages, gas leaks, or water flooding, and could result in costly repairs. Additionally, utility providers may hold you accountable for damages. By taking the time to check, you ensure the safety of workers, protect your property, and comply with Australian regulations.
Gates should be strategically placed for maximum convenience and accessibility. Consider placing them at natural entry points, such as where pathways or driveways connect to your property. Ensure gates are wide enough to accommodate vehicles, equipment, or large items, especially in areas like driveways or garden access points. Placement should also consider the direction of the gate swing, ensuring there’s no obstruction or interference with surrounding features. A well-placed gate enhances usability and adds value to your fencing project by seamlessly integrating with your daily activities.
Fence posts should be buried to a depth of at least one-third of their total height to ensure the structure remains sturdy and resistant to environmental factors like wind or shifting soil. For instance, a 2.4-metre fence post requires a minimum depth of 80 centimetres. In areas with sandy or loose soil, consider digging deeper or using concrete for additional stability. Proper depth prevents leaning, sagging, and structural failure over time. For high fences or those in windy regions, consulting a fencing professional can help determine the optimal depth for your specific conditions.
Australian councils have specific rules regarding fence height, material, placement, and even the type of fence allowed. For example, front fences in residential areas are often restricted to a maximum height of 1.2 to 1.5 metres, while backyard fences can go up to 1.8 or 2 metres. Shared boundary fences may require neighbour consultation or cost-sharing agreements. Some areas may also require permits for certain fence types or proximity to roads. Ignoring these regulations can lead to fines or orders to modify your fence, so it’s wise to check with your local council before starting work.
Durable fencing materials depend on your location, climate, and purpose. In Australia, treated timber is a classic choice for its affordability and versatility, though it requires regular maintenance. Colorbond steel is highly durable, resistant to rust, and offers a sleek, modern look with minimal upkeep. Aluminium and steel are ideal for coastal areas due to their resistance to salt corrosion. For rural properties, wire and post fences are practical and long-lasting. Selecting the right material ensures your fence can withstand harsh weather and daily wear, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
A professional fencing contractor brings expertise, efficiency, and high-quality workmanship to your project. They understand local regulations, have the proper tools, and can navigate complex installations, such as sloped terrain or unusual boundary shapes. Contractors also help with material selection, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal tailored to your needs. While DIY may seem cost-effective, professionals often save you money in the long run by avoiding mistakes, ensuring compliance, and delivering a polished, sturdy result. Trusting an expert means less stress and a fence that enhances your property’s value and functionality.
