You are ready for a privacy fence in Fremont. You might want to block out the neighbors. You might want to keep the kids and pets safe. You might just want to create your own backyard oasis. This is a smart move for any homeowner in Fremont. A good privacy fence adds value as well as peace of mind. We have been in this business for a long time. We have seen many projects go wrong because of some common mistakes. You do not want to be that homeowner.
Ignoring the Rules (and Your Neighbors)
This is often the biggest mistake. Many people make errors right at the start. You cannot just put up a fence wherever you want. The City of Fremont has rules. You must follow these rules for your privacy fence. For example, in residential areas, your fence cannot be over 6 feet tall in side or rear yards. This is unless it is next to a non-residential property. In front or street side yards, the rules are even stricter. Your privacy fence cannot be more than 42 inches high if it is more than 50% opaque.
You also need a permit for all fences. This is true regardless of the cost. We know that paperwork can be a hassle. Skipping this step can lead to fines. It can also mean you have to tear down your new privacy fence. This is a headache you will want to avoid. Alpha Fencing Solutions helps our clients with these permits. It is still your responsibility to make sure it is done correctly.
Then there are your neighbors in Fremont. Even if you are building strictly on your own property, it is good manners to talk to them. A new privacy fence can affect their view. It can also affect their sunlight or their access. A quick chat can prevent many problems later on. You do not want a property line dispute. Those can become very difficult as well as expensive.
Misjudging Property Lines and Utilities
Do not just guess about property lines. We have seen privacy fences go up a few inches onto a neighbor's property. This creates a big problem. You need to know exactly where your property ends and theirs begins. This is important before you dig any holes for your privacy fence. If you are not completely sure, get a professional survey. It is a small investment. This small investment saves you big potential problems later on.
You must call 811 before you dig. This is not just a suggestion. It is the law in Fremont. There are gas lines as well as water pipes as well as electrical cables. Telecommunication lines are also buried all over Fremont. Hitting one of these lines can be dangerous. It can also be costly. It can shut down services for your whole neighborhood. This is a free service. They will come mark everything out for you. There are no excuses for not calling 811.
Skimping on Post Depth and Materials for Our Climate
This is a very important point for us here in Nebraska. Our winters are very cold. The ground freezes deep in Fremont. We are talking about a frost line of about 36 to 42 inches in this area. If your privacy fence posts are not set deep enough, below that frost line, the ground will move. It will shift as it freezes and thaws. This is how you end up with a leaning, wobbly privacy fence after just a few years.
For a 6-foot privacy fence, you need posts that are buried at least 38 inches deep. This includes a gravel drainage base. In some of the clay-heavy soils we have around Fremont, you might need to go even deeper. You might also need to use specific techniques to make sure the privacy fence is stable as well as has good drainage. Clay soil holds water. This can make wood posts rot faster. It can also cause a lot of ground movement as the clay swells and shrinks. Alpha Fencing Solutions always considers this in our installations. We use proper drainage as well as good anchoring techniques for every privacy fence.
Choosing cheap materials might save you some money at first. It will cost you more in repairs as well as replacement later. Privacy fences catch a lot of wind. This is especially true during our spring and summer storms in Fremont. You need strong posts as well as panels. These need to withstand those strong gusts. Do not choose the thinnest, cheapest option if you want your privacy fence to last.
Forgetting About Drainage and Gates
A privacy fence is not just a wall. It is part of your yard's system. If you do not plan for drainage, you can create standing water problems. This can damage your privacy fence as well as your landscaping. Privacy fences need to be put up so they do not block natural drainage. They also should not block easements.
The gate is also very important. We have seen many nice privacy fences with gates that sag. Some gates stick. Other gates just do not close right. Gates are the most used part of your privacy fence. They have moving parts. They need proper support. They also need strong hardware. Careful installation is important for them to work well for many years. Think about how wide you need your gate to be. Can your lawnmower get through? What about a wheelbarrow? What about a future project that might need larger equipment? You should plan for that now.
Trying to DIY a Big Project Without the Know-How
We understand the desire to do things yourself. Installing a privacy fence, especially a long one, is a big job. It involves heavy lifting. It needs precise measurements. It also requires specialized tools. If your lines are not straight, or your posts are not plumb, the whole privacy fence will look crooked. If you do not set those posts right, you will have a leaning privacy fence very quickly.
Many homeowners underestimate the time as well as the effort involved. What takes a professional crew a couple of days might take you weeks of weekends. By the time you buy or rent the right tools, you might not save as much money as you think. Sometimes, it is smarter to bring in the professionals. Alpha Fencing Solutions does this work every day. We have the experience. We have the equipment. We know how to build privacy fences that stand strong against Fremont's weather.
A privacy fence is a big investment in your home. Do your research. Ask the right questions. Do not cut corners. You will be happy you did when you are enjoying your private backyard retreat for many years to come.