Sharing Information About Home Inspections

Fence Inspection Checklist

metal-fence

Get Your Fence Inspected

It’s that certain time of the year when you’re out and about and you’re thinking of ways on how to improve your home and to ensure its safety.  A great home improvement project that you can do is updating or building a new fence.  This is a big job and most often times is best to leave this one to a professional unless you are very good at DIY type projects, so think hard before you tackle this one by yourself.   No matter if you do this one yourself, or if you hire a professional you are left with the question, what type of fence should you put up? What should I consider in constructing a new fence?  We consulted with a fence builder in Lubbock to gather some great information on this topic.

 
Fences are structures that are constructed from posts (wood or metal) which are then connected to railings, and used to enclose a specific area.  Your fence is an upright structure, and a barrier to control access or to mark a property and boundary.

crude-fenceTypes of fence you may choose are:

  • Wood
  • Chain-link
  • Vinyl, Aluminum
  • Wrought Iron
  • Metal

These are just some of the examples of fence types. It is not only for fencing houses solely, but it is also for putting a border for agricultural lands, pools, and other kinds of purposes it may serve.  A fence does differs from a wall since it does not have a solid foundation.
Fences are important structures, and must be constructed with certain standards that are required for building a solid structure.  Working on new and existing fences you must have a permit and therefore, must have a fence inspection.  A list below is provided for a few things that are taken into consideration when an inspector comes to check a wooden or a metal fence.

 

Checklist Items

  • The installed posts are plumb
  • The corners and the ends of the posts are firm and are supported and anchored well.
  • The tension wires and fabrics (if any are used – depends on the type of fence) used are placed in a proper gage and are secure.
  • The gates should move and swing freely without binding.
  • Fence rails must extend posts with both ends.
  • Woodend posts, pickets, and rails must be free from rot, and sealed well.
  • All hardware should be free from rust.

rusted-fence

Those are just some of the basic things that an inspector will look for in a newly installed, or older fence. Regulations and standard of protocols for constructing such may differ from one state to the other so it may be best to consult your city’s fence regulations on this aside from the points stated above.

 
One may think, “Why should I get an inspector to check my fence when I could do it myself?”   Well sure, you can do that. But it is best to be safe than sorry. Fence inspection and maintenance are often neglected until a more serious issue- which is supposed to be just preventable- arises and causes damage, delay, and even a much bigger expense.  Doing a fence inspection is also advisable since it allows the owner to take into consideration things that might be overlooked. With thorough inspection, it can provide reminders and suggestions that might improve and help the fence last for a viable time. With all these things taken into consideration, you are now ready to secure your property with a sturdy and safe fence for you and the rest of your family.

 
We suggest you consult with a home inspector or fence builder to have your fence properly inspected and maintained.   Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding this topic.

Shelly Ross

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