“There are several variables to the cost of building your own fence,” says Francisco Valdovinos, owner of Atascadero’s fence supply store, Fencing 101. The cost depends on the type of materials, the length of the fence, and which supplies, tools, and other materials are needed. If a permit is needed, that’s an additional cost.
Fence supplies can include:
- Posts and fence panels.
- Gates.
- Cement for setting the posts.
- Screws, nails, latches, hinges, locks.
- Paint, stain, or water seal.
- Tools such as post hole diggers, shovels, hammer, nail gun, screw drivers, drills, tape measures, levels, and painting tools.
A DIY fence project typically costs from $8 to $40 per linear foot for materials. If you hire help, the cost increases.
The first things to do before dashing down to the fence supply store are to find out if you need a permit, then measure the length and height of the fence, decide how many gates you want, and where to locate them. Then, take a trip to the Atascadero fence supply store and ask the staff what you need to build your fence. They’ll help you make a list of materials, quantities, costs, and tools you will need. Then, it’s time to finalize your budget and get started.
Permit process
If you live in the City of Atascadero, you may need a permit if the fence is over a certain height, is being built on top of a retaining wall, or if you need an exception to the code. Even if you don’t need a permit, specific zoning, setback, and other requirements apply. Check with the Atascadero Community Development Department before starting. It could be annoying to have your project red-tagged and have to stop working.
If you have an Atascadero address, but live outside city limits, San Luis Obispo County is your permitting authority. A building permit is generally not required for fences less than 6 or 7 feet high, but there are still other requirements, including materials and coastal or inland locations. Contact the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building.
What do the neighbors have to say?
The adage that good fences make good neighbors can be very true. But there are those neighbors who hiccup about changes in the neighborhood. Before buying materials, let your neighbors know your plans. Most of the time, neighbors are just fine, but you don’t need to be partway through a project and have someone start complaining and delay your new fence.
If you live in an HOA, there might be other requirements that need to be met. Check with your HOA before starting.
Material and supplies
The Atascadero fence supply store has professional-grade materials and supplies for every kind of fence, from backyard privacy fences to decorative front yard fences, pet enclosures, livestock fences, and playgrounds. Everything you need, including automatic gate openers, hinges, screws, and specialty fencing tools.
Take your shopping list back to the store, and the staff will help you find everything you need. They’ll answer all of your questions and give you helpful tips and fence-building secrets to save you some headaches. They may even deliver for you, too!
What’s your time worth?
Another important thing to decide is what your time is worth to you. How much time have you set aside to build this fence, and is it enough time? Does it include removing an old fence? If you are only working on the fence on weekends, how many weekends is it going to take?
Other questions include:
Will sections of the fence be open during construction, and how do you plan on closing up the openings to keep uninvited wanderers out, and your dogs and kids in?
Are you budgeted for someone to help?
Getting the right help
Getting the right help with the right skills is much more productive than hiring someone who needs on-the-job training. Finding a skilled individual who can come in and complete one task, such as digging holes and setting posts, can save hours.
The Atascadero fence supply store is owned and operated by professional fence contractors, who can help speed up the process. They understand the deep personal satisfaction that comes with a job well done and the pride we all take in making our homes more attractive. The staff is always available to provide some recommendations or contract with you to complete certain stages of the project. Due to the company’s insurance requirements, labor laws, and other liability issues, the team can’t physically work alongside you.
When you factor your time and any labor costs into your budget, you might be surprised how cost-effective it is to hire the pros. Whichever approach you choose, the Fencing 101 team is always to answer your questions.