Of all the decisions you’ll ever have to make when putting up a fence around your home, perhaps the biggest is whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. Each has its pros and cons and it ultimately comes down to budget, ability, time and the specific needs of your property. In this article we’ll look at both options, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Read here more about each option we have you covered.
Cost: DIY vs. Professional Fees
One of the first things homeowners consider when deciding whether or not to go DIY and professional installation is cost. DIY installation of the fence seems cheaper at first because there’s no labour cost since you’ll only spend your money to get the material and tools. If you have some of the equipment yourself or borrow from a friend, then your cost will even go down more.
On the other hand, there’s a labour cost upfront when hiring a professional installer which can be quite steep depending on the complexity and type of fence being installed. This might look more expensive at first glance. However, professional installers can get discounts on materials that may offset the labour cost.
Skill and Experience: DIY Challenges vs. Professional Expertise
Fencing is not just digging holes and inserting posts into them. There’s a degree of experience and expertise involved and that’s probably a limitation for do-it-yourselves. For example, the posts must be spaced evenly apart, levelled and firmly anchored so the fence can stand upright and last over time.
Other than the technical expertise required, a successful DIY fence installation also depends on an understanding of local building codes, laws and zoning regulations. These are areas that professional installers are familiar with and can help ensure your fence complies with the law so you avoid fines or rework.
Time: DIY or Professional
Time is a big factor when deciding whether to do it yourself or get it done through a professional. Fencing can take a lot of time and unless you know the process you might end up spending more than you thought. The time it takes for a DIY fence will depend on the size of your land, the type of fence you choose and the help you have. Even if you have all the time in the world there’s also the matter of scheduling it in between work, family responsibilities and other household chores.
A DIY fence installation can take several days or even weekends to complete which can take up a big chunk of your personal time. If you’re not ready to dedicate that amount of time the project might be left unfinished or dragging on for weeks and your property will look incomplete.
Longevity and Quality: DIY Risk vs. Professional Guarantee
One of the main objectives when installing a fence is for it to be long lasting and withstand the test of time. A well-built fence enhances the beauty of your property and ensures long term privacy and security. But a bad installation of the fence can cost you more in the long run if it needs repairs or even replacement.
With DIY installation there’s a higher chance of mistakes that will compromise the integrity of the fence. Misaligned posts, unevenly spaced rails or failure to consider environmental factors like soil type and weather can lead to structural issues. Over time this will lead to leaning, warping or falling apart. Professionals are trained to ensure the fence has a longer lifespan.
Maintenance and Repairs: DIY Responsibility vs. Professional Guarantee
Once you have installed it maintenance will be part of the deal. A self-installed fence will need more repairs or realignment because there’s a high chance of errors in the installation. If you’re not a fencing repair expert you might not be able to fix issues like sagging gates, broken panels or warped boards.
