Things to Avoid When Installing a PVC Fence

Though we offer installation for all Miami vinyl fences, some consumers prefer to do it themselves. A vinyl fence is a beautiful DIY project because they're easier to install than wood fences. The materials are lighter and more straightforward to handle. However, no matter how carefully you prepare your landscape for vinyl fence, there will always be a possibility of error. Here are some of the most frequent vinyl fence installation blunders we encounter.

Forgetting Important Steps of the PVC Installation

Many things can go wrong when you are putting up a fence. You might make the wrong choices about where to put the posts or cut the wall too short. It would help if you were careful that the ground is not too sloped or that your fence will not be stable.

The most effective approach to prevent these blunders is to read instructions or product manuals that describe how to deal with various situations or circumstances properly. Vinyl fence posts in Miami must be placed at least three feet into the earth to avoid shifting later.

If your land slopes, you need to compensate for it by buying panels or cutting your own that are angled. If you don't do this, your fence might not be strong, and it won't last for very long.

Forgetting to Plan for Underground Lines/Pipes

Fences require digging, and if you search near a utility line, you could hit one. Unfortunately, many vinyl fence installers believe that putting their new fence posts in the same spot as their old ones will avoid hitting anything. This isn't the case. The removal of existing fence posts and installing new ones may easily expose utility lines and pipes underground.

Before you start digging on your property, call 811, known as Sunshine 811 here in Florida. That way, the utility companies will know ahead of time, and they can come and mark where the utility lines are. This is free, but it takes a little bit of time.

Not Paying Attention to Property Boundaries

If you're installing a vinyl fence in Miami yourself, follow your property lines precisely and avoid putting your fence on someone else's property. Installation mistakes may result in fines or costs from the government, civil lawsuits from your neighbors, and the high cost of relocating and reinstalling your fence correctly. Similarly, if your property lines are longer than you thought, you won't have enough length to use. 

Fortunately, you can avoid making this mistake by taking diligent measurements and planning ahead of time. Request a property map with boundaries or a survey of your home from your town to ensure that the position of your property line is correct. You may also pay for a professional survey to ensure you don't make any mistakes. Trust your instincts and not the existing fence line or your gut - always measure and double-check.

Forgetting to Advise Local Miami and HOA Laws

Many townships and neighborhoods with HOA's in the Miami area do not allow all types of fences or require homeowners to have a particular class or style of fence to maintain uniformity across properties. Suppose you build your fence without following the zoning laws or fence regulations. In that case, you risk facing costly penalties and possibly replacing your fence.

The best way to avoid this mistake is to ask your local permit office or planning commission about any limitations or rules regarding fences in your area. If you live in an HOA, you should also ask them if there are any restrictions on fences.

Forgetting to Plan Ahead

In some instances, the most significant blunder a homeowner can make regarding fence construction in Miami is not planning. Make sure you plan out every phase of your project before purchasing a fence, assessing your property, or demolishing anything. It's essential to do this planning to know you have the tools, supplies, permissions, and anything else you'll need to complete the task. You'll always have your strategy at hand if something unexpected occurs.