Fences & Gates

Fences and gates

Fencing is one of those components where installation costs can be high, but should reward you with privacy, security, and years of easy maintenance. By contrast, doing it on the cheap can leave you open to a rickety fence that requires incessant patching up, especially in windy areas, and poor security. It really is worth doing well or not at all!

The range of materials is extensive, and you may want to consider new products such as glass or fibreglass in appropriate locations.

 

There are specific laws dealing with fences – their height, sharing the cost with neighbours, whether you need a building consent for them or not, etc. Speaking of neighbours, we strongly recommend involving them in the decision-making process.

 

Discuss your plans with them, especially if you need access from their property. Good fences make good neighbours – work with them wherever possible.

Here’s a round-up of key points:

• Consult your local council before commencing construction. Ensure
  the fence is the correct height and check whether you need building consent.
• If using timber, ensure it’s the correct grade. Consider painting or staining the timber so it weathers well.
• A robust fence relies on solid upright posts, so ensure they are installed solidly and evenly.
• Discuss any new fencing plans beforehand with your neighbours.

 

Hedges

Don’t forget – you can always grow a hedge (which gets around the height issue if you need)…