Building a new fence is exciting because it means getting to choose the materials, colors, and features that suit your needs and preferences – and no longer having to put up with design choices made by former owners.
However, while picking fencing materials is undoubtedly the most exciting part, it’s not the only part of fence building. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you hire a fence contractor in Frisco, Texas, and get your project underway:
Understand Fence Permit Requirements in Texas
The City of Frisco wants to know about your new project. Whether you’re building a new fence from the ground up or repairing, replacing, or altering one, you’ll likely need a fence permit for a residential or commercial fence.
As overwhelming as the prospect of dealing with the City can be, most reputable fencing contractors take the lead. Before hiring a business to build your new fence, ask them whether they’ll handle any applicable permit applications and inspections, or whether this responsibility remains with you.
Check Fence Height and Location Rules
While nosy neighbors might have you wishing you could build a 15-foot-high fence, the City of Frisco says no. There are rules on fence height and location in most towns and cities, and Frisco is no exception.
- Fences in rear yards and along rear yard lot lines shouldn’t exceed eight feet.
- Decorative gate embellishments are permitted, but can’t exceed the height of the fence by more than two feet.
- Side yard fences should be no taller than eight feet.
- Front yard fences should be no taller than 48 inches.
- Front-yard fences should be at most 50% opaque.
This information can be helpful to know when you approach a fencing contractor with your ideas.
Don’t Guess or Assume Your Property Line
‘Rough enough’ is not the ideal way to determine your property line to build a fence on. The City of Frisco states that you can’t build a fence beyond your property line, and simply guessing your boundary could mean removing a brand-new fence!
Ask your contractor how the property line will be established before construction begins. If the boundary is uncertain, consider hiring a surveying professional to establish it before you start digging post holes.
Check Your HOA Requirements
It’s not just the City of Frisco that has a list of requirements for you to follow. If you live in a planned community or HOA, further approval may be required. Before discussing your fencing preferences with a fencing contractor, read your HOA’s architectural guidelines, if provided. HOAs often regulate:
- Fence height
- Wood stain or paint color
- Board style
- Fence location
- Gate design
- Accents – e.g., masonry or metal
- The replacement materials you can use
Compare Materials
If you’ve contacted more than one fence contractor to learn more about building a new fence, don’t just compare prices. Two contractors can quote different prices for what looks like the same fence, but the differences lie in the materials used.
When being quoted for a wood fence, ask about:
- The species and grade of the wood
- Board thickness
- Post dimensions and spacing
- The depth of the concrete
- Fastener type
- Horizontal or vertical framing
- Staining or sealing finish
- Warranty
If you intend on building a metal fence, ask about:
- Metal gauge/thickness
- Coating
- Posts
- Welding
- Hardware
- Corrosion protection
Discuss Drainage
The most experienced fencing contractors don’t just consider the beauty and strength of a fence. They also think about the elements that will interact with it, such as rain. Drainage definitely deserves special attention in Frisco and the wider North Texas area.
Before your new fence is installed, learn more about the factors that will be considered to ensure appropriate drainage, such as:
- The existing drainage paths
- Retaining walls
- Your sloped yard
- Gaps beneath the fence
- Where your gates will sit
- How the water will move after fence installation
Ask About Licensing and Insurance
You deserve peace of mind when you’re investing your hard-earned money in something as important as a fence. That’s why it’s crucial to ask your preferred fencing contractor about licensing and insurance.
Check to see that they have the appropriate licenses to work in your area and adequate cover in case of damage or an accident. This simple question may provide a great deal of confidence before work gets underway.
Review Past Projects
You don’t have to take a fence contractor’s word for it that they are a highly skilled construction expert. Let their past projects do all the talking. Check their website and social media profile to see who they have worked with and whether they’re happy with the quality.
Reviewing past projects can have two advantages: being sure of their skill set and drawing inspiration from the fences of other property owners!
Hire the Right Fence Contractor in Frisco, TX: 4-D Construction & Fencing
There is certainly a lot to learn before building a fence in Frisco, but it shouldn’t be stressful or overwhelming. For a straightforward, stress-free fence-building process in Frisco, Texas, talk to the team at 4-D Construction & Fencing.
Whether you’re building a cedar back fence, an ornamental front fence, or have something else in mind, we’ll talk you through the entire process from start to finish. We look forward to helping you achieve your fencing goals. Request a no-obligation quote today.
