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What You Should Know Before Starting a Residential Fencing Project

So, you’ve decided to embark on a new residential fencing project? Congratulations! A well constructed and attractive fence offers security, peace of mind, and can greatly increase the value of your home. Fence design and material options have come a long way in the last several years, and it’s now easier than ever for homeowners to customize a fence to match their dream design. Even better, you don’t have to break the bank to do it!

Having a plan before you hire a fencing contractor will help you set realistic expectations for your budget, and prepare you for what to expect throughout the process. We’ve put together some key factors that Snohomish County homeowners should plan for before starting their residential fencing project.

Preparing for your residential fencing project

Many homes in the Pacific Northwest were first constructed without fences, and there are a few good reasons for it. Many homeowners want unobstructed views of the incredible PNW landscape. It can also come down to budget–fences are an investment, and many homeowners put off building a fence until a need arises (such as having children, getting a dog, or if they want increased privacy and security).

If your home has an existing fence and you’re looking to upgrade to a new fencing material, or perhaps a taller fence, you need to consider the cost and logistics of removing the old fence. If you’re looking to install a fence on a property that doesn’t have an existing fence, you should consider if there are trees or other obstacles that need to be relocated to make room for the fence.

Many fencing contractors subcontract landscape assessment and excavation services. NW Pearl is a licensed general contractor and we provide all fence removal, landscape assessment and excavation services in-house. When you hire our team, you’ll know from the beginning that every worker on your property is a trusted and talented NW Pearl employee.

Hiring a fencing contractor who provides all services in-house also keeps costs down, and can streamline workflow so that your project is done more efficiently.

Prior to breaking ground you will also need to know where the property line is drawn so that you can avoid misunderstandings with neighbors. A surveyor may need to be brought to the property to assess where you can build the fence. Coordinating the parties involved in building a fence can be stressful, which is why NW Pearl handles every administrative aspect of your residential fencing project.

From start to finish, we handle every detail of the project so that you can sit back, relax and get excited about your new fence. 

How to choose the right residential fence type for your home

Choosing the right type of fencing material often boils down to two factors: budget and style. Thanks to innovation in fencing material technology, there’s bound to be a fence material, color and style that will be a perfect compliment to your landscape. The challenge is choosing which one is right for your budget and design goals.

As you consider the many types of fencing available, consider what will look best with the style of your home. Vinyl fences look great with modern homes that have sleek, angular lines. Vinyl is offered in many colors and styles, and is a durable and low maintenance option.

Craftsman homes benefit greatly from shorter fences that offer great visibility and let the beauty of the home’s architecture take center stage. Consider a galvanized fence or a vinyl picket fence to bring out the character of your home.  

Get inspired with these residential fencing ideas

White vinyl fence

Vinyl Fence

Black vinyl fence

Black Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fence

Vinyl Privacy Fence

Cedar fence

Cedar Fence

Galvanized fence

Galvanized Fence

Be sure to visit our project gallery for more photos that showcase the many styles of fences found throughout Snohomish County, to see what types of residential fencing might work for your home. 

Make your fence unique with custom gates and add-ons

Your new fence won’t be complete without a unique gate! Custom gates are a great way to put a unique finishing touch on your project. Gate handles and hinges are often overlooked in the design process, but they can have a big impact on the character of your gate.

When choosing the right fencing contractor, ask about your options for custom gates and add-ons. If you’re given a list of options that anyone could find at a big box retailer, consider inviting other contractors to bid on your project. A skilled craftsman will be able to take your vision and create a completely unique design, all the way down to the hinges.

The skilled artisans at NW Pearl look for every opportunity to add your family’s character into the project, because a fence is more than just a way to keep your property safe–it’s a work of art. We want you to feel proud of your home and the investments you’ve made to truly make it your own.

Put your plan together

As you prepare for your new fence, take the time to consider what you want out of the project. Make a list of what’s most important to you, such as cost, security, color, design, durability and maintenance. By preparing a clear set of expectations, your fencing contractor can give you an accurate estimate and lay a detailed framework for what the project will look like.

We understand that the process may be confusing for homeowners who have never installed a fence. That’s ok–we don’t expect you to know it all. We’re here to help answer your questions and walk you through every step of the process.  

Whether you’re just starting to think about your project, or you’re ready to get an estimate, the honest and “no pressure” team at NW Pearl can help you right away. Contact us online or call us at 425-343-8659 for a free consultation.

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