7 Common DIY Fence Installation Mistakes

If you have the skills and know-how, doing home projects yourself can save you a lot of money and the hassle of finding the right company for the job. On the other hand, if you don't know what you're doing or run into an unforeseen problem after starting the work, the money and headaches will double back with a vengeance.

Whether you want a tall-reaching privacy fence or a hog wire fence to border off your garden space, there comes the risk of doing the work yourself. Here are seven common DIY fencing mistakes to watch out for!

1. Shallow Post Holes

Due to inexperience or lack of tools, shallow post holes are too common in DIY fencing. Getting a deep enough post hole means your fence post will stay secure in the ground, negating the effects of the wind and freeze/thaw cycle and staying in place for years to come.

The recommended depth of a fence post hole is 30-36 inches, which suffices in keeping your fence posts sturdy.

2. Insufficient Concrete

It may be unseen on most fences, but concrete is essential for a sound structure. Many DIYers underestimate the amount of concrete used for fence post holes. Having an insufficient amount of concrete causes your fence posts to be improperly set.

They might lean and dry to one side, leaving you with a crooked fence post, or it's now susceptible to knocking over if the wind is strong enough. A fencing project for an average yard needs around 100-150 pounds of concrete mix, so plan accordingly!

3. Changes in Elevation Missed

One of the most subtle things about building, in general, is the slight elevation changes. Knowing when the ground in your yard rises by a few inches or falls is detrimental to building a straight fence. So, it's best to survey your property before digging your postholes!

4. Building Outside Your Property Line

Accidentally building your fence outside your property line and on your neighbor's property is one of the most extensive and costly headaches with DIY fence installation. 

The encroachment can be as little as a few feet or even inches, and they have every right to ask you for removal, which makes your hard work all for naught. So, our advice would be to study your property carefully and talk to your neighbor before you start.

5. Not Calling Before You Start Digging

No matter where you live in Minnesota, you want to call before you start digging. Between the gas, cable, water, and sewer lines that can be on your property, you never want to risk not having them marked and puncturing or severing a line because you can face fines and potentially upset neighbors!

To save yourself the headache, we always recommend calling Gopher State One Call at least two days before starting.

6. No Planning 

Putting up a fence can be an exciting endeavor that can give you more privacy and increase your property value; however, one of the biggest mistakes individuals make is not having a plan.

Not taking the time to measure, understanding your safety components, and having improper tools can wind up costing you more to repair the result, so have a solid strategy before you begin.

7. Not Checking Local Laws 

Every town has jurisdictions, zoning laws, and fence code ordinances that need to be followed, including boundary requirements and height limitations. While some areas will allow the fencing to be on a property line, others might require you to check zoning laws.

This is even more important if you live in an HOA community because they may have stricter guidelines on what can be built. Not following codes can result in total removal or alteration of a finished fence, so know what will comply with state and local safety requirements.

Let KNO Woodworks Install Your Fence!

The DIY fence may seem worth it, but it can cost you more in the long run, and you may not like the results. With KNO Woodworks, you'll receive immaculate wood fences, decking installs, and pergola builds at a fair price to you.

Start your project online today or give us a call at 612-226-5172!