Building a new fence or deck is a significant investment that can dramatically enhance your home’s value and enjoyment of your home’s outdoor space. However, many homeowners make common mistakes when planning for their project that lead to costly regrets down the line. By taking the time to plan properly and work with a trusted local professional, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your project is a success.
1. Skimping on Material Quality
The biggest regret many homeowners face is choosing low-quality materials to save money upfront. While a cheaper material might seem like a good deal, it often leads to a shorter lifespan and more frequent, expensive repairs. A deck built with lower grade woods may seem cost-effective, but wood requires regular staining, sealing, and maintenance to prevent rotting and warping. Fence & Deck Connection emphasizes the importance of quality craftsmanship and premium materials, choosing to use products and materials made in the USA and backing their work with a Lifetime Structural Warranty. This commitment to using superior materials like Trex and TimberTech for decks, or durable vinyl and aluminum sourced in the USA for fences, helps ensure your investment lasts for years to come.
2. Not Measuring for Future Yard Use
It’s easy to get caught up in the current location and design of your fence or deck, but a common mistake is not considering how your family might use the space in the future. A small deck that perfectly fits your current outdoor furniture might feel cramped when you want to host a large gathering. A fence is see-through, too short, or one that encloses a small area might not be suitable for a new garden, a larger playset, or a new four-legged friend down the road. When planning your project, think about your lifestyle five, ten, or even twenty years from now. Consider the flow of foot traffic, potential for a hot tub, or the possibility of an outdoor kitchen!
3. Forgetting Gate Placement
Well-placed gates are crucial for both convenience and safety. Homeowners often regret placing a gate in a difficult-to-reach area, choosing only one entryway instead of two, or neglecting to install a gate at all! Consider all the ways you’ll use your yard. Do you need easy access to the side of the house for garbage cans or yard work? Will your kids need a direct path from the deck to a playset? Do you need an extra wide gate to maneuver larger equipment like a ride-on lawnmower? A well-placed gate or double-gate can make yard maintenance and outdoor living much more enjoyable.
4. Not Accounting for HOA/Permit Requirements
When beginning your fence or deck project, local regulations and HOA rules can be a real pain if you aren’t prepared. Building a fence that’s a few inches too tall, or a deck that’s too close to a property line can result in fines or even require you to tear it down. It is essential to check with county regulations and HOA if necessary before any work begins. Better yet, a reputable company will handle this for you! Fence & Deck Connection makes it easy with their in-house permitting team. The Permit Team has a great relationship with county permitting, zoning, and planning departments, handling all the paperwork and getting all necessary approvals from start to finish, ensuring your project meets all necessary codes. Why bother dealing with all the red tape alone?
Fall is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor space! The summer busy season is winding down, which means quicker installation times for our Maryland and Delaware customers. Contact Fence & Deck Connection at 800-222-9268 or visit our website www.fenceanddeckconnection.com to learn more about our many fence, deck, and screened porch options.
*A version of this article appears in the Severna Park Voice’s Home & Garden Edition.