Fences may seem like pretty simple structures, and that's because they are. But the process of Dallas fence installation can be more complex than many people suspect because there's a lot to consider, from choosing the perfect fencing material option for your property to making sure your plan is in compliance with municipal regulations and homeowners association (HOA) standards.
When they call our reliable team for fence installation, Dallas property owners get more than a new fence. We offer the benefit of our experience and knowledge to answer your questions and give you advice on the type of boundary structure that is best suited to the needs of your property and household. At our initial visit, we'll take the necessary measurements and assess the project scope so we're aware of any potential complications. Our Dallas fence installation professionals will show up on time for your scheduled service, in uniform and driving a company vehicle with all the tools and equipment needed to complete the work efficiently and without cutting corners. Once the project is complete and you're satisfied with the results, we'll clean up after ourselves before we leave so all you have to do is sit back and admire your new boundary structure.
SELECTING THE BEST TYPE OF FENCING FOR DALLAS FENCE INSTALLATION
From classic white picket fences that practically shout "Americana!" to strictly practical chain link structures, there is a wide variety of fence materials available to choose from for your Dallas fence installation. There's no universally correct choice, of course—what type of fence works best for your property and household depends on factors such as the size and shape of the space that's being enclosed, local regulations and rules governing height and material, and the main purpose of the structure. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, and knowing a bit about those can help make the decision much easier. Here are some of the types that may be a good fit for your property:
- Wood Fence: Wood fencing is a classic for a reason—it's attractive, easy to work with, and incredibly versatile, so there's no end to the ways it can be constructed. However, it is vulnerable to rotting and needs regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.
- Chain Link Fence: Chain link fencing is highly utilitarian. It's an inexpensive, easy-to-install, durable option that is virtually maintenance-free, but it has the downside of not being very visually appealing.
- Vinyl Fence: Vinyl fencing is also durable and low-maintenance, but has more going for it on the appearance side because it comes in such a vast array of styles and colors. It is vulnerable to fading in direct sunlight and upfront installation costs are typically higher than they are for a wooden fence.
- Aluminum Fence: Aluminum has a surprisingly classy, unobtrusive look as well as being durable and inexpensive, but it's not necessarily the right choice for a security or privacy fence.
- Wrought Iron Fence: Wrought iron is a luxury option with a high upfront cost for installation. However, it's very attractive and charming. It's also extremely durable and relatively low maintenance—with a coat of anti-rust paint every few years, it can last for more than a century.
Let Mr. Handyman Take Care of Fence Installation, Dallas Homeowners
From the very first contact to consultation to installation to the reveal of your finished fencing project, our team of multi-skilled handyman professionals is committed to going above and beyond to ensure you are completely happy with not only the results of our work but the entire process of making it all happen. Mr. Handyman is the Dallas fence company that counts on us for expert fence installation and a range of other services, including fence staining, painting, and repair. We're the reputable fence installers that Dallas homeowners and business owners alike trust for quality fences and excellent service. Get in touch with our friendly customer service representatives to learn more about our reliable handyman service, or to schedule an appointment with your local Dallas handyman.
COMMERCIAL FENCE INSTALLATION, DALLAS, AND AREA
Our services such as Dallas fence installation aren't just needed by homeowners. Business owners in Dallas often need or want commercial fencing on their business property. We understand that commercial needs are different from those of a residential property, and our fence company has the experience and skill to tackle commercial installations along with dozens of other commercial handyman services. Let us take the burden of repair, maintenance, and installation tasks off your shoulders so you can focus on pleasing your customers and growing your business's success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Fence Installation Near Me
WHAT ARE THE LOCAL REGULATIONS FOR DALLAS FENCE INSTALLATION?
Most cities and/or states have a set of regulations that govern local building codes for fences and other accessory structures, and naturally Dallas, Texas is no exception. The local fence regulations laid out by the City of Dallas are relatively straightforward, but it's still helpful to understand them in advance of making any concrete plans about where your structure will be situated, how high it will be, and other factors.
So what are the regulations that pertain to Dallas fence installation? Here are some of the basics to keep in mind:
- A fencing permit is not required if you are putting up a fence that is less than four feet tall in a front yard setback or six feet tall elsewhere.
- Permit requirements may be different if you live in a special zoning area such as a historic district, conservation district, or planned development district.
- Barrier structures may not exceed four feet in height in a required front yard setback, or nine feet in fence height on the rest of the lot.
- Barriers may not be located in easements.
- There must be access points on your side and backyard structures for firefighters.
- Barbed wire fences are allowed, but the barbed wire portion must be a minimum of six feet above grade and must not stick out past the property boundary.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR A NEW FENCE INSTALLATION?
For any installation or improvement project, including fence installation, Dallas homeowners should set aside a little time to take care of some preliminary steps that will help the entire project go smoothly without any cause for stress. Here are a few things to consider that may benefit you later on in the process.
Get a Property Survey Done
You're not required to have a property survey done on your land before you put up a Dallas fence installation. Practical borders between residential properties can move quite a distance away from where they are officially recorded as being, but even so, it can be a good idea. Unofficial property boundaries have a way of shifting slowly over the years due to interference from landscaping changes, shifting soil, and outbuildings, and because people assume they know where the property line is and put up a fence without checking.
Having a simple land survey done can go a long way toward avoiding a difficult situation with your neighbors if there's any possibility that a dispute could arise about where exactly the true line is between your land and theirs. With the official property records in hand, you'll know your new installation is within your borders and fully compliant.
Call 811 Before You Dig
Your backyard may look pristine and unspoiled, but there is potentially quite a lot going on just a few feet beneath the soil, including electrical and plumbing lines. When the professionals at Mr. Handyman of Dallas take care of fence installation, Dallas homeowners can rest assured that we make sure we have all the information we need to dig holes for fence posts safely and without damaging any buried utility lines. But if you plan to do any digging yourself, even if it's just in your own backyard, it's important to call 811 at least two days before you dig so you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're not going to run into trouble a few feet down.
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT INDICATE I NEED A REPLACEMENT DALLAS FENCE INSTALLATION?
If you're considering Dallas fence installation to replace an existing structure, you may be wondering if it's time to get it done right now, or if your old structure can hang in there for another couple of years. To assess its condition, walk along both sides of the structure (if you have access to both sides) and examine it from multiple angles for signs that a replacement is needed, such as:
- Rotten timber that is soft, discolored, or crumbling apart
- Missing or broken pickets
- Gray, weathered wood
- Strips of paint are peeling off
- The metal fence has rust or other corrosion
- It's hard to get the gate opened or closed
- Posts are leaning and shifting when you touch them
- Sagging chain links panels
- Parts of the structure other than posts are making contact with the ground
- Concrete footings on posts are exposed due to soil erosion
- Patches of vinyl have sun-fading damage
- Broken, creaking, or misaligned latch on the gate
CAN I JUST GET REPAIRS INSTEAD OF A COMPLETE FENCE REPLACEMENT?
This is a fair question to ask before you dive into any big replacement installation project because you don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater if your structure is in reasonably good shape and just needs some basic help from a Dallas fence repair professional. On the other hand, there's no point in wasting time, money, and effort on repairs if the damage is too extensive and replacement would actually be more cost-effective.
If there's only a few spots of damage here and there, or a problem that's relatively simple to solve like a couple of missing pickets, your Dallas handyman can take care of it efficiently and effectively with the right repair strategy. Numerous smaller (or not-so-small) repairs across a large percentage of the structure would be very time-consuming and therefore more costly than just taking the whole thing down and putting a new one up. After all that, the results of widespread or major repairs likely wouldn't be as satisfactory as a new installation. In a situation like that, a new Dallas fence installation is clearly the way to go. Here are a few scenarios in which replacement is the best option:
- More than around 25% of the entire structure has been affected by damaging factors such as rough storms, neglect or deterioration over time
- It has suffered sudden, extensive impact damage from a vehicle crash or falling tree branch
- Destructive insects such as carpenter ants or termites are nesting in the structure
- You want to increase property value and appeal with a new style refresh
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO MAINTAIN MY NEW DALLAS FENCE INSTALLATION?
Maintenance methods are, of course, going to vary according to the material you've chosen. Metal structures typically don't need too much—it's a good idea to monitor them for rust now and then, and depending on the type of metal, they may need anti-rust paint. Wood can be more of a chore for maintenance because it's susceptible to wood rot. Since your structure is out there on its own and likely doesn't have much shelter, it's prone to moisture incursion, and rot only affects timber with a high moisture content above 20% or so. Therefore, the best way to avoid wood rot is with regular cleaning and refinishing to seal out moisture. Not up to the task of maintenance? No problem—our Dallas fence installation handyman team can take care of that for you as well.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PUT UP A FENCE?
The necessary length of time to complete Dallas fence installation is naturally going to vary quite a bit based on considerations like the length of the structure, challenging terrain or obstacles that need to be worked around, the material that is being used, and so on. The actual Dallas fence installation will typically take between one and four days, but it's important to remember that there is work that needs to be done in advance as well. That includes removing the existing structure if there is one, measuring the space and calculating the number of materials needed, obtaining the materials, pulling permits, and ensuring the work area is clear of buried utility lines and other underground obstacles that could suffer damage from a post-hole digger.
WHAT TYPE OF GATE WOULD WORK BEST FOR MY FENCE INSTALLATION?
You don't always have to have a gate. If a boundary structure is mostly for decorative or privacy purposes, some homeowners choose to forgo the gate in favor of a gap framed by two posts. But if you need your structure to contain rambunctious kids or pets, or discourage trespassers, a gate is going to be a key component of your Dallas fence installation.
The standard style is a swinging gate that moves on hinges attached to one post. The latch is on the other side and aligns with the latch side of the opposite post. But in some situations, there's not enough space for a swinging gate, especially one long enough to span a driveway. In that case, it makes sense to consider a cantilever gate that folds in on itself when opened or a rolling gate that rolls on tracks alongside the boundary when it's open.
Trust the Expert Team at Mr. Handyman for Dallas Fence Installation
Are you living in Dallas, TX, or a nearby part of the Dallas area such as Balch Springs, Addison, or Lancaster? You can count on your local handyman at Mr. Handyman of Dallas to be there for you. We are proud to provide the topmost standards of awesome customer service and experienced workmanship.
Pick up the phone and get in touch with us today to chat with our customer service staff about your dream fence and schedule an appointment to get started on your next fence project.