You’ve viewed some gorgeous picket fences and have bought the materials. Your next step is the installation itself – a feat that’s often daunting for many homeowners.
As a DIY enthusiast, you may be tempted to install it independently. And that’s great, you’re willing to take on the challenge and learn something new. However, it’s important to understand that with a project like a fence installation, a subpar job can be costly.
A shoddy-looking fence doesn’t just look bad, it’s no longer a deterrent to potential intruders. Worse yet, a poor job may mean that your fence won’t last long and you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacement. In any scenario, you always want your fence to be installed correctly the first time.
In this article, we’ll go through the main advantages and disadvantages of hiring a professional and DIY for your installation:
The Advantages of Hiring a Professional
No Project Delays
Whether it’d be judging the depth of post holes, anchoring your fence posts in concrete or attaching galvanized screws – a professional fence installation service ensures it’s done correctly. They understand each stage of the process, and can even work around unforeseen obstacles i.e sloped terrain or poor ground conditions.
When installing a fence, you may also be given a deadline by your local council. Otherwise, the installation may not be approved. A professional will provide a time estimate and follow through on their promise. You’ll have a sturdy fence that’s not only secure, but beautiful in no time.
Now, contrast that to DIY. Even if you understand how to install a fence, it’s easy to get distracted and lose your momentum. With no professional oversight, you may not notice any mistakes you’ve made until it’s too late.
Tools and Equipment
Unfortunately, installing a solid fence that’s capable of protecting your home from intruders requires certain tools and equipment. If you’re a starter DIYer, chances are you won’t have them in your toolbox. Professionals, meanwhile, will save you the trouble of going back and forth to your local store to purchase supplies.
So what equipment and supplies will you need? Here are just a few:
- Post Hole Auger
- Circular Saw
- Claw hammer
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Heavy-duty protective gear
While any DIY enthusiast can buy and learn how to use these tools, when pressed for time, it’s best to pay for a professional service.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Your buddy is good with his hands, knowing how to install that picket fence you’ve been dreaming off for years. He accepts “mate rates”, and is ready and waiting for your call.
So, what could possibly go wrong?
Well, a few things in fact. Whether it’d spacing the posts too far apart or failing to secure the pickets correctly, a subpar job can not only lead to security problems but expensive repairs and replacement. Now you’re left with a fence, full of defects and no recourse.
On the other hand, a professional is less likely to make mistakes, and if he does, will come back and cover the costs for those repairs. This is what’s known as a work warranty. Professional fence companies guarantee their work, meaning any mistakes relating to the installation will immediately be rectified.
The Advantages of DIY Your Fence
Money Savings
Fencing contractors can charge anywhere from $30 to $80 per hour. And it takes on average 1-4 days to install a fence, depending on the material and area size. Thus, hiring a professional along with the materials may set you back thousands of dollars, when it’s all said and done.
Now, if you have the knowledge, experience and tools to install a fence yourself, just DIY. Provided you’re not pressed for time, it’s the most cost-effective solution. It also saves the hassle of contacting and booking installers – a process which can take days.
The Sense of Accomplishment
Anything that takes effort to do is satisfying. And there’s nothing more rewarding than building something – with your own two hands!
You’ll have a sense of accomplishment in two ways. First, you actually took the time and made the effort to build it alone. Second, you actually have something to show for your hard work – a beautiful fence that will last for years.
While you may get satisfaction from looking at your newly built fence done by a professional, it’s simply not the same as doing it yourself. This is because you’re not part of the process, whether it’d be mixing the concrete, cutting the posts or hammering in nails.
DIY is fun, which is why some people prefer it over hiring pros.
You Have the Time to Learn the Installation Process
DIY isn’t just about performing tasks, it’s about researching and learning new skills. For the most part, you don’t need any specialized training to build a fence. All it takes is patience and practice, and a few instructional guides to get you started.
If you’re unsure where to start, youtube is a fantastic resource, with plenty of videos that teach you how to build a fence from scratch. Website guides are also available, with detailed instructions on which materials to buy and how to put them together. Lastly, you could ask a friend (provided they have the know-how) for a quick crash course.
Just make sure to thoroughly research the steps and materials before starting your project. This way, you have a better understanding of the job ahead.
Conclusion
Professional fencing installers are a dime a dozen, meaning you can take your time to find the best price for your budget. That said, it’s not always about money. DIY is a great way to learn new skills and test those skills on your project. Saving those hard-earned dollars is the cherry on top.
It’s all a matter of preference at the end of the day, so do what’s best for you. But whatever you choose, one thing’s for certain – a fence is an essential home improvement that adds security and privacy to your property. So, always do your due dillegance, whether it’s finding the right contractor or making sure your DIY project is done correctly. The effort will be worth it in the long run!
Happy building!
